US9051162B2 - Systems and methods for facilitating consumer-dispenser interactions - Google Patents

Systems and methods for facilitating consumer-dispenser interactions Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US9051162B2
US9051162B2 US12/204,494 US20449408A US9051162B2 US 9051162 B2 US9051162 B2 US 9051162B2 US 20449408 A US20449408 A US 20449408A US 9051162 B2 US9051162 B2 US 9051162B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
consumer
beverage
product
formulation
dispenser
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active, expires
Application number
US12/204,494
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
US20090070234A1 (en
Inventor
Dan Peters
Son V. Tran
David R. Newman
Leonard F. Antao
David O. Slagley
H. Brock Kolls
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Coca Cola Co
Original Assignee
Coca Cola Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Coca Cola Co filed Critical Coca Cola Co
Priority to US12/204,494 priority Critical patent/US9051162B2/en
Assigned to THE COCA-COLA COMPANY reassignment THE COCA-COLA COMPANY ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ANTAO, LEONARD F., KOLLS, H. BROCK, NEWMAN, DAVID R., PETERS, DAN, SLAGLEY, DAVID O., TRAN, SON V.
Publication of US20090070234A1 publication Critical patent/US20090070234A1/en
Priority to US14/702,832 priority patent/US20150251891A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US9051162B2 publication Critical patent/US9051162B2/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/0041—Fully automated cocktail bars, i.e. apparatuses combining the use of packaged beverages, pre-mix and post-mix dispensers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/0888—Means comprising electronic circuitry (e.g. control panels, switching or controlling means)
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions
    • G06Q30/0601—Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
    • G07F11/002—
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F13/00—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs
    • G07F13/06—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs with selective dispensing of different fluids or materials or mixtures thereof
    • G07F13/065—Coin-freed apparatus for controlling dispensing or fluids, semiliquids or granular material from reservoirs with selective dispensing of different fluids or materials or mixtures thereof for drink preparation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G07F9/001—Interfacing with vending machines using mobile or wearable devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G07F9/002—Vending machines being part of a centrally controlled network of vending machines
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G07F9/02—Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D2210/00—Indexing scheme relating to aspects and details of apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught or for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
    • B67D2210/00028—Constructional details
    • B67D2210/00081—Constructional details related to bartenders
    • B67D2210/00089—Remote control means, e.g. by electromagnetic signals

Definitions

  • COCA-COLA® is a registered trademark of The Coca-Cola Company, Atlanta, Ga., U.S.A.
  • Other names, symbols, designs, or logos used herein may be registered trademarks, trademarks or product names of The Coca-Cola Company or other companies.
  • This invention relates to product dispensers, and in particular, relates to systems and methods for consumer-dispenser interactions.
  • beverage dispensers can pour a beverage by combining a syrup, sweetener, and/or water.
  • a syrup can be offered. This typically results in being able to offer a finite number of branded and non-branded beverage selections.
  • a single prior art dispenser using several different kinds of syrup might be able to offer limited choices of COCA-COLATM, DIET COCA-COLATM, SPRITETM, and a few other branded or non-branded beverage selections.
  • a product dispenser can include a user interface operable to interact with a consumer and receive at least one input from the consumer.
  • the product dispenser can also include a controller comprising a set of instructions operable to receive a request from a consumer to dispense a custom product.
  • the controller can further comprise a set of instructions to present via the user interface a at least one of a list of selectable product ingredients or adjustable product formulation parameters.
  • the controller can further comprise a set of instructions to dispense a product based at least in part on one or more of the selectable ingredients or selected formulation parameters.
  • a method for operating a product dispenser can include receiving a request from a consumer to dispense a custom product. Furthermore, the method can include presenting at least one of a list of selectable product ingredients or adjustable product formulation parameters based at least in part on the information associated with the consumer. In addition, the method can include receiving input regarding at least one of selectable product ingredients or product formulation parameters. Moreover, the method can include dispensing a product based at least in part on one or more of the selectable product ingredients or product formulation parameters.
  • a method for operating a product dispenser can be provided.
  • the method can include receiving information associated with the consumer.
  • the method can include presenting via a user interface associated with the product dispenser at least one product recipe comprising at least one selectable product ingredient or adjustable product formulation parameter based at least in part on the information associated with the consumer.
  • the method can include receiving a consumer input regarding at least one of selectable product ingredients or product formulation parameters.
  • the method can also include dispensing a product based at least in part on one or more of the selected product ingredients or product formulation parameters.
  • a product dispenser can include a user interface operable to interact with a consumer and receive at least one input from the consumer.
  • the product dispenser can include a controller comprising a set of instructions operable to receive information associated with the consumer.
  • the controller can further comprise a set of instructions operable to present via the user interface associated with the product dispenser at least one product recipe comprising at least one selectable product ingredient or adjustable product formulation parameter based at least in part on the information associated with the consumer.
  • the controller can further comprise a set of instructions operable to receive a consumer input regarding at least one of selectable product ingredients or product formulation parameters.
  • the controller can further comprise a set of instructions operable to dispense a product based at least in part on one or more of the selected product ingredients or product formulation parameters.
  • a system can be provided.
  • the system can include a communication network, and a plurality of product dispensers in communication with the network.
  • Each product dispenser can include a user interface operable to interact with a consumer and receive at least one input from the consumer.
  • each product dispenser can include a controller comprising a set of instructions operable to receive via the network information associated with the consumer.
  • the controller can further comprise a set of instructions operable to present via the user interface associated with the product dispenser at least one product recipe comprising at least one selectable product ingredient or adjustable product formulation parameter based at least in part on the information associated with the consumer.
  • the controller can further comprise a set of instructions operable to receive a consumer input regarding at least one of selectable product ingredients or product formulation parameters.
  • the controller can further comprise a set of instructions operable to dispense a product based at least in part on one or more of the selected product ingredients or product formulation parameters.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an example system including a product dispenser and associated network in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates one example of a consumer refreshment network in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates one example of an enhanced view graphical user interface in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates one example of a classic view graphical user interface in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates one example method of storing a recipe to a recipe list in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates one example method of customizing the formulation of a product in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates one example method of allowing a consumer to make his or her own recipe in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates one example method of allowing a consumer to use a website to manage a recipe list profile in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates one example method of allowing a consumer to choose between a standard product menu and their recipe list profile in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates one example method of charging for a product based on the volume of product dispensed and paying for the product by way of cashless payment implement in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates one example method of charging for a product based on the volume of product dispensed and paying for the product by way of prepayment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • beverage forming dispenser As used herein, the terms “beverage forming dispenser”, “product dispenser”, “beverage dispenser”, “dispenser apparatus”, and “dispenser” refer to a device which dispenses a product such as a beverage, can, bottle, or container.
  • FIG. 1 an example system 100 for a product dispenser according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the example system can operate with a networked computer environment which includes at least one network in communication with a product dispenser.
  • a product dispenser 102 A is shown in communications with a communications network 104 .
  • at least one of the product dispensers, such as 102 A can interface with a consumer, customer, or other user.
  • Other example environments or systems for a product dispenser according to an embodiment of the invention may include non-network configurations.
  • the example product dispenser such as 102 A shown in FIG. 1
  • Each product dispenser 102 A- 102 N can be a computer or processor-based device capable of communicating with the communications network 104 via a signal, such as a wireless frequency signal or a direct wired communication signal.
  • Each product dispenser such as 102 A, can include a processor or controller 106 , an identification reader/scanner device 106 A, an ingredient matrix 108 , a computer-readable medium, such as a random access memory (RAM) 110 , coupled to the processor or controller 106 , and an input/output device, such as display device 112 .
  • the processor or controller, such as 106 can execute computer-executable program instructions stored in memory, such as 110 .
  • Computer executable program instructions stored in memory, such as 110 can include any number of module application programs, such as a consumer interaction engine or module, such as 114 .
  • the consumer interaction engine or module, such as 114 can be adapted to implement various methods for consumer-dispenser interaction.
  • a consumer interaction engine or module can be adapted to receive one or more signals from one or more consumers, remote and/or local servers or data processing resources, and client-type devices or wireless communication devices.
  • Other examples of functionality and aspects of embodiments of a consumer interaction engine or module, such as 114 are described below.
  • the identification reader/scanner device 106 A shown in FIG. 1 can be in communication with the controller 106 , and can receive or otherwise obtain identification information from any number of devices or means associated with a consumer.
  • an identification reader/scanner device such as 106 A, can include a machine readable code technology such as bar code, or may include any wireless communication technology such as RFID, reflected light frequency, optical, etc.
  • the processor or controller such as 106
  • An ingredient matrix can be, for example, a series of receptacles or mountings capable of receiving or mounting to a respective product ingredient package or other product ingredient supply.
  • a product ingredient package, such as 116 A can be manufactured as a pouch of liquid secured in a plastic ridged container to allow insertion into an ingredient matrix, such as 108 .
  • the package, such as 116 A, or pouch When inserted into the ingredient matrix, such as 108 , the package, such as 116 A, or pouch can be pierced by at least one associated fitting which allows the liquid in the package, such as 116 A, or pouch to be pumped or otherwise metered by the controller, such as 106 , or the matrix, such as 108 and associated equipment in precise ratios to form the desired product, such as a beverage.
  • one or more product ingredient packages, such as 116 A- 116 Q can be inserted into an ingredient matrix, such as 108 .
  • the ingredient matrix, such as 108 in this embodiment can secure some or all of the product ingredient packages, such as 116 A- 116 Q.
  • one or more product packages may be direct supplies rather than packages.
  • a product package, such as 116 O can be a continuous supply of carbonated water provided from a carbonated water source
  • a product package, such as 116 P can be a sweetener provided from a sweetener source such as a non-nutritive sweetener (NNS) or high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)
  • NFS non-nutritive sweetener
  • HFCS high fructose corn syrup
  • a product package, such as 116 Q can be a continuous supply of water from a tap, purified, or distilled water source.
  • ingredients, components, or product additives may be in the form of a pouch, or may be in another configuration suitable for access by the ingredient matrix, such as 108 .
  • a product dispenser such as 102 A, with an ingredient matrix, such as 108
  • an ingredient matrix such as 108
  • at least one machine readable code reader such as 118 A- 118 Q, can be associated with a location associated with an ingredient matrix, such as 108 , wherein some or all of the product ingredient packages, such as 116 A- 116 Q, can be scanned, read, or otherwise identified prior to insertion into or connection with the ingredient matrix, such as 108 .
  • the processor or controller can receive or obtain information related to some or all of the product ingredient packages, such as 116 A- 116 Q, and use such information to identify within the ingredient matrix, such as 108 , an optimum or other desired location within the ingredient matrix, such as 108 , for placement of the product ingredient package, such as 116 A.
  • data from a product ingredient package, such as 116 A can be read, scan, or identified from a serial number or identification code associated with the product ingredient package, such as 116 A.
  • Such data can be utilized alone or correlated with previously stored information in at least one database, such as 128 A- 128 C, described below, or with data otherwise accessible or stored by a data processing resource or server, described below, such as 126 , which may identify one or more ingredients associated with the product ingredient package, such as 116 A.
  • data from a product ingredient package, such as 116 A can be a ingredient code or identifier, and can be utilized alone or correlated with previously stored information in a database, such as 128 A- 128 C, or with data otherwise accessible or stored by a data processing resource or server, such as 126 , which may identify one or more ingredients associated with the product ingredient package, such as 116 A.
  • a product dispenser such as 102 A, with an ingredient matrix, such as 108
  • each of the pumps, such as 120 , and valves, such as 122 can be controlled by the product dispenser, such as 102 A.
  • the processor or controller, such as 106 can be in communication with some or all of the pumps, such as 120 , and valves, such as 122 .
  • some or all of the pumps, such as 120 , and/or valves, such as 122 can be selectively operated by the processor or controller, such as 106 , to pump, meter, or otherwise obtain respective product products or ingredients from certain of the product ingredient packages, such as 116 A- 116 Q, to dispense a custom product or beverage.
  • an ingredient matrix such as 108
  • a processor or controller such as 106
  • pumps such as 120
  • valves such as 122
  • varying ratios of ingredients from some or all of the product ingredient packages, such as 116 A- 116 Q can be selectively combined to form various types of products, such as beverages.
  • Example ingredients can include, but are not limited to, a flavoring, a concentrate, a syrup, a sweetener, water, carbonated water, a lime flavoring, vanilla flavoring, cherry flavoring, and any ingredient part of a branded or non-branded drink, such as CHERRY COCA-COLATM, VANILLA COCA-COLATM, COCA-COLATM, DIET COCA-COLATM, and FANTATM.
  • one or more of the product ingredient packages may contain ingredients referred to as “pungent”, which may limit their placement within an ingredient matrix, such as 108 .
  • Peptt-type ingredients can be relatively strong such that once a pungent ingredient is pumped or otherwise drawn through a particular portion of a product dispenser, such as 102 A, any associated path through the dispenser, such as 102 A, such as tubing in the product dispenser, such as 102 A, may be permanently flavored and any subsequent ingredient or fluid that is pumped or drawn through the path or tubing may be tainted with the taste of the pungent-type ingredient.
  • an associated processor or controller such as 106 , can track or otherwise store information that controls or limits the replacement and/or addition of other pungent ingredients to certain locations of the ingredient matrix, such as 108 , to avoid mixing pungent-type ingredients or tainting non-pungent ingredients in order to maintain product or beverage quality.
  • one or more product ingredient packages may require agitation to keep the associated ingredient sufficiently mixed.
  • the location of such ingredients in an ingredient matrix, such as 108 can be limited to locations within the ingredient matrix, such as 108 , that can be agitated as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment.
  • ingredients from one or more of product ingredient packages may be dispensed through antimicrobial-type tubing and/or dispenser parts.
  • Such ingredients can include, but are not limited to, milk, dairy, soy, and/or other types and kinds of product ingredient packages.
  • the location of such ingredients in an ingredient matrix, such as 108 can be limited to locations within the ingredient matrix, such as 108 , that utilize suitable antimicrobial-type tubing and/or dispenser parts as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment.
  • a one-to-one relationship can be established between a particular product ingredient package, such as 116 A, and at least one pump and/or valve, such as 120 and/or 122 respectively.
  • utilizing more than one pump and/or valve for a single product ingredient package, such as 116 A can draw a relatively higher volume of an ingredient from the package, such as 116 A, in a relatively shorter period of time.
  • a product ingredient package containing a sweetener, such as sweetener, such as 116 P may utilize more than one pump and/or valve to draw a relatively higher volume of an ingredient from the package 116 P in a relatively shorter period of time.
  • any number of other product dispensers can also be in communication with the network, such as 104 .
  • the communications network, such as 104 shown in FIG. 1 can be a local area network (LAN).
  • a communications network can be a wireless communications network capable of transmitting both voice and data signals, including image data signals or multimedia signals.
  • Other networks can include, but are not limited to, Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a LON WORKS network, a wired network, a wireless network, or any combination thereof.
  • the network such as 104 of FIG. 1 , is also shown in communication with at least one data processing resource, such as a server 126 , and at least one database, such as 128 A.
  • a server such as 126
  • a data processing resource or server such as 126
  • a data processing resource or server can be used to aid or facilitate recipes, formulations, methods of making products or beverages, provide operational data processing, perform data processing related to consumer interaction, and/or perform other data processing as may be required and or desired in a particular embodiment.
  • operational data processing can include, for example and not as a limitation, equipment status, maintenance, service alerts, predictive restock, and/or other types and kinds or operational data processing as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment.
  • Such consumer interaction support can include, for example and not as a limitation, consumer preferences, consumer product or product or beverage preferences, loyalty, gaming, prizes, media content, customizations, and/or other types and kinds of consumer interaction and/or data processing support as may be required and/or desired by a particular embodiment.
  • the server can include a processor, such as 130 , and a computer-readable medium, such as a random access memory (RAM) 132 , coupled to the processor 130 .
  • the processor, such as 130 can execute computer-executable program instructions stored in memory, such as 132 .
  • Computer executable program instructions stored in memory, such as 132 can include any number of module application programs, such as a consumer interaction engine or module similar to 114 .
  • the consumer interaction engine or module similar to 114 can be adapted to implement various methods for consumer-interaction.
  • a consumer interaction engine or module similar to 114 can be adapted to interact with one or more consumers, and one or more servers or data processing resources. Other examples of functionality and aspects of embodiments of a consumer interaction engine or module similar to 114 are described below.
  • some or all of the product dispensers can retrieve, receive, or otherwise access information stored in some or all of the databases, such as a recipes, formulations, and methods of making products or beverages database, such as 128 A, operational database, such as 128 B, and consumer database, such as 128 C.
  • the databases can include product or beverage formation information such as one or more product or beverage recipes, formulations, and methods of making products or beverages.
  • Such product or beverage recipes, formulations, and methods of making products or beverages can include an ingredient list, the ratio of each ingredient, a listing of how a product or beverage can be customized by a consumer, and/or other types and kinds of product or beverage recipes, formulations, and methods of making a product or beverage as may be required and/or desired by a particular embodiment.
  • a product dispenser such as 102 A
  • a product dispenser can be configured to print a coupon or other document.
  • an associated printer or other output device such as 134
  • a printer or other output device can be in communication with the product dispenser, such as 102 A.
  • a printer or other output device can be in communication with a product dispenser, such as 102 A, via a network, such as 104 .
  • the example environment or system can facilitate customer, consumer, and user interaction with a product dispenser and network.
  • a user such as a consumer can make a product or beverage type selection at a product dispenser, such as 102 A, by way of an input/output device, such as display device 112 .
  • An associated processor or controller, such as 106 can facilitate a user's selection via display device, such as 112 , of a particular recipe to form a selected product or beverage.
  • the processor or controller, such as 106 can display one or more products or beverages for selection via the display device, such as 112 .
  • the user may select at least one of the products or beverages using the display device, such as 112 , for instance, pressing a button provided by or associated with the display device 112 .
  • the processor or controller, such as 106 may obtain from a local memory, such as 110 , or may communicate via a network, such as 104 , with at least one database, or may communicate with at least one data processing resource, such as server 126 , to obtain corresponding ingredients and/or ratio of ingredients for forming the selected product or beverage.
  • the processor or controller can utilize the information to operate one or more pumps, such as 120 , and/or valves, such as 122 , to form and dispense a product or beverage by way of a nozzle, such as 124 , into a cup or other container, such as 136 .
  • a user such as a customer or package installation personnel can facilitate scanning or reading one or more product ingredient packages, such as 116 A- 116 Q, when the packages 116 A- 16 Q are inserted within an ingredient matrix, such as 108 , associated with a product dispenser, such as 102 A.
  • a processor or controller, such as 106 associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can identify an optimum or selected location within the ingredient matrix, such as 108 .
  • the user, customer, or package installation personnel can be informed where a particular product ingredient package, such as 116 A, is to be located in the ingredient matrix, such as 108 , by way of an input/output device, such as display device, such as 112 .
  • An example of a display device can include, but is not limited to, a light emitting diode (LED) display indicator, LCD screen, input/output (I/O) interface, audio interface or other types and kinds of displays or indicators as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment.
  • LED light emitting diode
  • LCD screen LCD screen
  • I/O input/output
  • audio interface audio interface or other types and kinds of displays or indicators as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment.
  • insertion of a particular product ingredient package, such as 116 A, within an ingredient matrix, such as 108 can be checked or otherwise verified by scanning a machine readable code on the respective package, such as 116 A, and scanning a machine readable code located on the ingredient matrix, such as 108 , at the point of insertion (illustrated as 118 A).
  • an associated processor or controller such as 106 , can check or verify that the product ingredient package, such as 116 A, is correctly located within the ingredient matrix, such as 108 .
  • a cup, such as 136 , or other container can include identification information, such as a RFID or other machine readable tag, such as 138 , mounted to the cup as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • identification information can be associated with a consumer by way of, for instance, RFID or other machine readable tag, similar to 138 , embodied in or otherwise mounted to an icon or other object.
  • a reader, such as a RFID or other machine readable code reader, such as 140 associated with a product dispenser, such as 102 A, can receive or otherwise obtain the identification information from the RFID or other machine readable tag, similar to 138 . As shown in FIG.
  • a processor or controller, such as 106 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can be in communication with the RFID or other machine readable code reader, such as 140 , and some or all identification information obtained from the RFID or other machine readable tag, such as 138 , can be stored or otherwise processed by the processor or controller, such as 106 .
  • the identification information can be embodied in a machine readable code, a bar code, RFID, radio frequency, infrared, or other wireless communication methods or devices, or other types and kinds of coding and/or storage technologies as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment.
  • the RFID reader or machine readable code reader can be a corresponding device to read or receive the identification information from the RFID or other machine readable tag, such as 138 , and can include a RFID read/write device, an infrared device, a magnetic card reader, a bar code reader, or other suitable reader or receiver technologies as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment.
  • a server or transaction processing resource can facilitate a payment or payment processing when a consumer selects and attempts to pay for a product, such as a beverage, at a product dispenser, such as 102 A.
  • An associated processor or controller such as 106
  • the processor or controller, such as 106 can transmit the payment or related information to the server or transaction processing resource, such as 142 , via a network, such as 104 .
  • the server or transaction processing resource may access least one database, such as 128 A- 128 C, or may communicate with at least one data processing resource, such as 126 , to authorize or otherwise validate a payment or related information prior to accepting a payment from the consumer or otherwise dispensing the selected product or beverage to the consumer.
  • one or more networked product dispensers can be installed in a plurality of respective locations, such as location 202 , and can be in communication via a network 204 , such as the Internet or a global network, with one or more servers or data processing resources, such as 206 , and one or more data storage devices such as database 208 .
  • a product dispenser 210 can be similar to a beverage dispenser or dispenser apparatus, described as 102 A in FIG. 1 .
  • a product dispenser, such as 210 can include some or all of the following components as described with respect to FIG.
  • an ingredient matrix such as 108 , with locations operable to receive one or more product ingredient packages, such as 116 A- 116 Q, a controller, such as 106 , one or more package insertion detection devices or RFID reader/writer, such as 118 A- 118 Q, pumps, such as 120 , valves, such as 122 , and a nozzle, such as 124 .
  • servers or data processing resources 206 can be similar to server or data processing resource described as 126 in FIG. 1 .
  • one or more consumers can access a network, such as 104 , or a consumer refreshment network, such as 204 .
  • a consumer such as 212
  • a consumer such as 212 can choose to access a network 104 , or consumer refreshment network system, such as 200 , and one or more networked product dispensers, such as 210 , by way of any number of client-type devices, including, but not limited to, a personal computer (PC), such as 214 A, a data processing device, such as 214 B, a wireless communication device, such as 214 C, and/or by way of other types and kinds of data processing, processor-based, or client-type devices.
  • a wireless communication device can include, but is not limited to, a wireless data processing device, a wireless phone, a mobile phone, an IPHONETM, an IPODTM, personal data assistant, and/or POCKET PCTMM.
  • a product dispenser such as 210 in FIG. 2
  • the user interface, such as 300 and can be used, for instance, by a consumer, such as 212 , to select any number of different product or beverage types, kinds, and formulations.
  • a product dispenser such as 210
  • an enhanced view graphical user interface such as 300
  • a product dispenser can provide a consumer with selectable product or beverage options in a series of dynamically generated menus, wherein the consumer can locate and select a specific brand, kind, type, and/or formulation of a desired corresponding product or beverage. Once a particular product or beverage option is selected, the consumer can cause a corresponding product or beverage to be formulated and dispensed by the product dispenser.
  • a product dispenser such as 210 in FIG. 2
  • the user interface, such as 400 can be used by a consumer, such as 212 , to select from a limited number of different product or beverage types, kinds, and/or formulations.
  • a consumer such as 212
  • a consumer can more easily select a product or beverage from a limited number of product or beverage choices.
  • the consumer can cause a corresponding product or beverage to be formulated and dispensed by the product dispenser.
  • a classic type graphical user interface can also be referred to as a traditional view as it generally resembles a traditional fountain dispensing valve design. As such, a classic type graphical user interface can be referred to as a traditional view graphical user interface.
  • a consumer may desire fewer product or beverage choices than displayed by a product dispenser that allows the selection of, for instance, a plurality of different kinds of products or beverages.
  • a classic view graphical user interface with relatively fewer, more traditional product or beverage choices, and including one or more traditional-type product or beverage choices, can be displayed to facilitate, sometimes quicker, consumer interaction with the product dispenser.
  • a consumer may elect to create consumer preferences which that tailor the types and/or kinds of brands and/or product or beverage formulations displayed in a user interface, such as a classic view graphical user interface, essentially creating a consumer customized classic view graphical user interface.
  • a consumer can create a consumer customized classic view graphical user interface. For example, when a consumer identifies himself or herself to a product dispenser, such as 210 , one or more consumer preferences can be retrieved by the dispenser 210 . Based at least in part on one or more consumer preferences, the product dispenser 210 can display a default user interface to the consumer, which may be an enhanced view graphical user interface, a classic view graphical user interface, or a consumer customized classic view graphical user interface.
  • FIGS. 5-11 are example flowcharts for various methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Some or all of the illustrated methods can be implemented by a system, network, product dispenser, or any combination of associated components as shown in FIGS. 1-4 .
  • a method 500 for storing a recipe to a recipe list begins at block 502 , in which an input is received from a consumer to select a product formulation.
  • a consumer can utilize a client-type device, such as 214 A- 214 C in FIG. 2 , to gain online access to a website, webpage, or other online location that permits the consumer to select or determine a product formulation to be dispensed from a product dispenser.
  • a consumer can utilize a mobile phone, wireless communication device, or client-type-device, such as 214 A- 214 C in FIG. 2 , or other communication device or method to determine a product formulation to be dispensed from a product dispenser.
  • a consumer can utilize a product dispenser, such as 210 in FIG. 2 , to access a user interface, website, webpage, or other offline or online location that permits the consumer to determine a product formulation to be dispensed from a product dispenser.
  • a product dispenser such as 210 in FIG. 2
  • the consumer can select or determine a product formulation to be dispensed from a product dispenser.
  • Block 502 is followed by decision block 504 , in which a determination is made as to whether the consumer wants to save the product formulation. If the determination is in the affirmative, that is, a consumer wants to save the product formulation, then the method 500 continues at block 506 . If the determination is in the negative, that is, the consumer does not want to save the product formulation, then the method 500 ends.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can determine whether a consumer wants to store or otherwise save a product formulation. Through a user interface associated with the product dispenser, such as user interface 112 in FIG. 1 , the consumer can provide an input corresponding to a store or save command.
  • an input corresponding to a store or save command can be received via a network from a client-type device, such as 214 A- 214 C in FIG. 2 , mobile phone, wireless communication device, or other communication device or method associated with the consumer.
  • a processor, controller, local and/or remote server or data processing resource such as 126 in FIG. 1 , can receive the store or save command.
  • a consumer is prompted to enter his or her consumer specific code.
  • a consumer can be prompted to utilize a user interface associated with a product dispenser, such as user interface 112 in FIG. 1 , to enter a consumer specific code.
  • the consumer can input the consumer specific code via the user interface, such as 112 .
  • a consumer can transmit or otherwise input a consumer specific code via a client-type device, such as 214 A- 214 C in FIG. 2 , mobile phone, or wireless communication device, or by way of other communication devices or methods as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment.
  • Block 506 is followed by block 508 , in which the consumer's product recipe list is retrieved.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can retrieve a product recipe list in response to receiving the consumer specific code from the consumer.
  • a product recipe list can include, but is not limited to, a list of one or more products associated with the code, a list of one or more products associated with a consumer, or a predefined list of one or more products.
  • a processor or controller, such as 106 associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can retrieve a previously stored product list from an associated memory or other data storage device, such as 110 .
  • a local and/or remote server or data processing resource can generate or otherwise retrieve a product list from an associated memory or data storage device, and provide the product recipe list to a processor or controller, such as 106 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A.
  • a product recipe list can be retrieved.
  • Block 508 is followed by decision block 510 , in which a determination is made as to whether the current product recipe or formulation is on the consumer's product recipe list. If the determination is in the affirmative, that is, the current product recipe or formulation is on the consumer's product recipe list, then the method 500 ends. If the determination is in the negative, that is, the current product formulation is not on the consumer's product recipe list, then the method 500 continues at block 512 .
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can compare the current product formulation to one or more product formulations in a predefined product recipe list associated with the consumer.
  • a local and/or remote server or data processing resource can compare the current product formulation to one or more product formulations in a predefined product recipe list associated with the consumer. In either instance, based at least in part on the comparison, the processor, controller, local and/or remote server or data processing resource, such as 126 , can determine whether the current product formulation is on the consumer's product recipe list.
  • the current product formulation recipe is added to the consumer's product recipe list.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can add or otherwise store the current product formulation recipe in the consumer's product recipe list, and store the new list in an associated memory or other data storage device, such as 110 .
  • a local and/or remote server or data processing resource such as 126 , add or otherwise store the current product formulation recipe in the consumer's product recipe list, and store the new list in an associated memory or data storage device, such as 110 .
  • the current product formulation recipe is added to the consumer's product recipe list.
  • the method 500 ends after block 512 .
  • the method 600 begins in block 602 .
  • an input is received from the consumer to select a product formulation.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can allow the consumer to select a product formulation associated with a product. For example, after the consumer has had an opportunity to select a suggested product that has been determined for the consumer to try, the consumer may decide or otherwise opt to try a different formulation associated with a product in lieu of the suggested product. The consumer may select the different formulation associated with a product via a user interface associated with the product dispenser, such as user interface 112 .
  • Block 602 is followed by block 604 , in which the consumer is prompted whether to customize a product formulation.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1
  • the product dispenser such as 102 A
  • the a processor or controller such as 106
  • a local and/or remote server or data processing resource such as 126
  • the processor or controller, such as 106 associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can receive the message for communication to the consumer. In any instance, the consumer is prompted whether he or she wants to customize a product formulation associated with a product prior to dispensing.
  • Block 604 is followed by decision block 606 , in which a determination is made as to whether the consumer wants to customize the product formulation. If the determination is in the affirmative, that is, the consumer wants to customize the product formulation, then the method 600 continues at block 608 . If the determination is in the negative, that is, the consumer does not want to customize the product formulation, then the method 600 continues at block 610 .
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can determine whether the consumer wants to customize the product formulation.
  • the processor or controller, such as 106 can receive a consumer input or selection via a user interface, such as 112 , and determine whether the input or selection corresponds to whether the consumer wants to customize the product formulation.
  • an input is received from the consumer to adjust the sweetener level, flavor, carbonation level, and/or other formulation factors of the selected product formulation.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can provide options for the consumer to adjust one or more formulation factors associated with a selected product formulation.
  • the processor or controller such as 106
  • Formulation factors can include, but are not limited to, sweetener level, flavor, carbonation level, and/or other formulation factors associated with a product or product formulation.
  • Block 608 is followed by block 610 , in which the customized product is dispensed to the consumer.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can allow the consumer to dispense a desired customized product.
  • the method 600 ends after block 610 .
  • a consumer can be prompted as to whether he or she wants to customize a product formulation.
  • the consumer can adjust the product sweetener level, flavor, carbonation level, and/or adjust other formulation factors of the product he or she has selected.
  • an example method 700 of allowing a consumer to make his or her own recipe begins in block 702 .
  • an input is received from a consumer to select a product.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can allow the consumer to select a product.
  • a product menu or list of product ingredients from which the consumer can make his or her own recipe can be provided by the controller, such as 106 , and consumer may decide or otherwise opt to try a product from the product menu or list of product ingredients from which the consumer can make his or her own recipe.
  • the consumer may select the product or various product ingredients via a user interface associated with the product dispenser, such as user interface 112 .
  • Block 702 is followed by decision block 704 , in which a determination is made as to whether the consumer selected to make his or her own recipe. If the determination is in the affirmative, that is, the consumer selected to make his or her own recipe, then the method 700 continues at block 706 . If the determination is in the negative, that is, the consumer did not select to make his or her own recipe, the method 700 continues at block 714 .
  • a processor or controller associated with a product dispenser such as controller 106 in FIG. 1 , can receive or otherwise obtain information associated with a product selection. Based at least in part on the information associated with a product selection, the processor or controller, such as 106 , the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can determine whether the consumer selected to make his or her own recipe.
  • an ingredient list is displayed or otherwise output to the consumer on the product dispenser graphical user interface.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can provide an ingredient list to the consumer.
  • the controller such as 106
  • Block 706 is followed by block 708 , in which an input is received from the consumer to select ingredients from the displayed ingredient list.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1
  • a consumer can utilize a user interface associated with a product dispenser, such as user interface 112 , to provide select ingredients from the displayed ingredient list.
  • Block 708 is followed by block 710 , in which an input is received from the consumer to select ingredient ratios, volumes, and/or portions for each of the ingredients selected.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1
  • a consumer can utilize a user interface associated with a product dispenser, such as user interface 112 , to provide select one or more formulation parameters from the displayed ingredient list.
  • Formulation parameters can include, but are not limited to, ingredient ratios, volumes, and/or portions for each of the ingredients selected.
  • determining the quantities of the ingredients can be selected by a consumer.
  • a consumer can select the ingredients mixing ratio with respect to water or other ingredients and/or the total volume of each of the ingredients to add, and/or the portion of the final product that should be composed of a particular ingredient.
  • Block 710 is followed by block 712 , in an input is received from the consumer to adjust the sweetener level, flavor, carbonation level, and/or adjust other formulation factors.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1
  • a consumer can utilize a user interface associated with a product dispenser, such as user interface 112 , to provide select one or more formulation factors from the displayed ingredient list.
  • Formulation factors can include, but are not limited to, sweetener level, flavor, and carbonation level.
  • Block 712 is followed by block 714 , in which the customized product is dispensed to the consumer.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can allow the consumer to dispense a desired customized product.
  • the method 700 ends after block 714 .
  • a consumer can be allowed to select a product from a menu of product choices or make his or her own product formulation.
  • a consumer can make his or her own product formulation by selecting one or more ingredients from an ingredient list, and adjusting various formulation parameters or factors including, but not limited to, sweetener levels, flavor, carbonation levels, and/or adjusting other formulation parameters or factors.
  • FIG. 8 an example of a method 800 of allowing a consumer to use a website to manage a recipe list profile is illustrated.
  • the method 800 begins in block 802 .
  • an input is received from a consumer to log on to a refreshment network.
  • a consumer can log on to a network, such as network 104 in FIG. 1 , via a client-type device or wireless communication device, such as 214 A- 214 C in FIG. 2 .
  • the network can be a refreshment network or a website in which one or more consumers can retrieve, manage, and create a recipe list profile.
  • An example of a suitable network can be MYCOKEREWARDS.COM.
  • Block 802 is followed by block 804 , in which an input is received from the consumer to retrieve his or her recipe list profile.
  • a local and/or remote server in FIG. 1 associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can retrieve a file, such as a recipe list profile, associated with the consumer.
  • the file or receipt list profile can be stored in an associated memory or data storage device, such as 110 .
  • a file or recipe list profile can be a file that is updated with a list of products associated with a particular consumer.
  • a recipe list profile can include, but is not limited to, standard products, brand name products, and customized products.
  • a customized product can be created or otherwise formulated by a consumer.
  • a local and/or remote server or data processing resource can retrieve a file, such as a recipe list profile, associated with the consumer.
  • the controller such as 106
  • the consumer is allowed to retrieve his or her recipe list profile.
  • Block 804 is followed by decision block 806 , in which a determination is made as to whether the consumer wants to manage his or her recipe list profile. If the determination is in the affirmative, that is, the consumer wants to manage their recipe list profile, then the method 800 continues at block 808 . If the determination is in the negative, that is, the consumer does not want to manage his or her recipe list profile, then the method 800 ends.
  • a local and/or remote server or data processing resource such as 126 in FIG. 1 , can determine whether the consumer wants to manage his or her recipe list profile.
  • the data processing resource can determine whether the consumer wants to manage his or her recipe list profile by comparing an input or selection from the consumer via a user interface associated with a client-type device or wireless communication device, such as 214 A- 214 C in FIG. 2 .
  • the user interface can provide one or more options for a consumer to select from including an indication to manage a recipe list profile.
  • the data processing resource can determine whether the input or selection corresponds to an indication the consumer wants to manage his or her recipe list profile.
  • the consumer's recipe list profile is output.
  • a local and/or remote server or data processing resource such as 126 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can facilitate the output or otherwise display a consumer's recipe list profile via a user interface associated with any client-type or wireless communication device, such as 214 A- 214 C.
  • a recipe list profile can include, but is not limited to, standard products, brand name products, and customized products. A customized product can be created or otherwise formulated by a consumer.
  • Block 808 is followed by block 810 , in which an input is received from the consumer to select a recipe from his or her recipe list profile.
  • a local and/or remote server or data processing resource such as 126 in FIG. 1
  • the data processing resource can provide the consumer access via a user interface associated with a client-type device or wireless communication device, such as 214 A- 214 C.
  • the user interface can provide one or more options for a consumer to select from including options to add, delete, or edit recipes in the recipe list profile.
  • Block 812 is followed by block 812 , in which a total list of available ingredients is displayed to the consumer.
  • a local and/or remote server or data processing resource such as 126 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can facilitate the output or otherwise display an available list of ingredients to the consumer via a user interface associated with any client-type or wireless communication device, such as 214 A- 214 C.
  • a total list of ingredients can include a list of some or all ingredients available from the product dispenser that can be combined to formulate one or more standard or customized products.
  • Block 812 is followed by block 814 , in which an input is received from the consumer to modify the recipes of the consumer's recipe list profile by adding and/or subtracting ingredients.
  • a local and/or remote server or data processing resource such as 126 in FIG. 1
  • the data processing resource can provide the consumer access via a user interface associated with a client-type device or wireless communication device, such as 214 A- 214 C.
  • the user interface can provide one or more options for a consumer to modify at least one recipe including, but not limited to, determining the ratios, volumes, and/or portions of ingredients, as well as adjust the sweetener level, flavor, carbonation level, and/or modify other formulation factors to create a customized product formulation.
  • Block 814 is followed by block 816 , in which the recipe list profile is stored.
  • a local and/or remote server or data processing resource such as 126 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can store the recipe list profile associated with the consumer.
  • the data processing resource such as 126
  • the data processing resource can store the product list profile in an associated memory or data storage device, such as 11 O.
  • the product list profile can be retrieved at a later time by the data processing resource, such as 126 .
  • a consumer's recipe list profile can also be saved in a memory associated with a wireless data processing device, such as 214 A- 214 C, and/or other storage media for use at a product dispenser, such as 102 A. In any instance, the consumer is allowed to save the recipe list profile.
  • the method 800 ends after block 816 .
  • a consumer can use a website to manage a recipe list profile.
  • the consumer can log on, retrieve their recipe list profile, and manage their recipe list profile.
  • Such management of their recipe list profile can include adding, modifying, and/or deleting customized products from the list.
  • the consumer can formulate products from a standard product menu list and/or create a product from scratch by mixing individual ingredients from an ingredient list.
  • the consumer can modify products in the recipe list by adjusting sweetener levels, flavor, carbonation level, and/or adjusting other formulation factors.
  • a consumer is identified.
  • a product dispenser such as 102 A in FIG. 1
  • a processor or controller such as 106
  • 106 associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A
  • Such consumer identification can be by RFID, token, card, loyalty card, personal identification code, PIN, a consumer wireless data processing device, and/or by way of other types and kinds of identification devices or methods as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment.
  • Block 902 is followed by block 904 , in which the product dispenser retrieves the consumer's recipe list profile.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can transmit identification data to a local and/or remote server or data processing resource, such as 126 . Based at least in part on the identification data, the local and/or remote server or data processing resource, such as 126 , can obtain or otherwise locate a recipe list profile associated with the consumer.
  • a processor or controller, such as 126 may access an associated memory or data storage device, such as 110 , to obtain or otherwise locate a recipe list profile associated with the consumer.
  • a recipe list profile can include, but is not limited to, a historical listing of some or all prior or past products a particular consumer has requested, ordered, dispensed, or otherwise received from one or more product dispensers or other types of dispensers or devices.
  • a product dispenser can data communicate locally and/or remotely with a server or data processing resource to obtain the consumer's recipe list profile.
  • Block 904 is followed by block 906 , in which an input is received from the consumer to select a standard product formulation from a product menu or select a product from the consumer's customized recipe list profile.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can allow the consumer to select a standard product formulation from a product menu or select a product from the consumer's customized recipe list profile.
  • the product dispenser such as 102 A, can provide one or more options via an associated user interface, such as 112 , for the consumer to select between a standard product formulation from a product menu or select a product from the consumer's customized recipe list profile.
  • the consumer may select a product formulation or product via a user interface associated with the product dispenser, such as user interface 112 .
  • Block 906 is followed by decision block 908 , in which a determination is made as to whether the consumer wants to modify the selected product formulation. If the determination is in the affirmative, that is, the consumer wants to modify the product formulation, then the method 900 continues at block 912 . If the determination is in the negative, that is, the consumer does not want to modify the product formulation, then method 900 continues at block 910 .
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can determine whether the consumer wants to modify the selected product formulation. For example, the processor or controller, such as 106 , can prompt the consumer to receive a consumer input or selection via a user interface, such as 112 , and determine whether the consumer's subsequent input or selection corresponds to whether the consumer wants to modify the selected product formulation.
  • the customized product is dispensed to the consumer.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can allow the consumer to dispense a desired customized product.
  • the method 900 ends after block 910 .
  • an input is received from the consumer to modify the recipe of the selected product by adding and/or subtracting ingredients.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can permit a consumer to modify the recipe of the selected product by adding and/or subtracting ingredients.
  • a processor or controller, such as 106 can provide a prompt for the consumer to modify the recipe of the selected product by adding and/or subtracting ingredients via an output device, such as a user interface, for instance 112 .
  • a consumer can modify one or more formulation parameters and factors including, but not limited to, determining ingredient ratios, volumes, and/or portion of ingredients, as well as adjust the sweetener level, flavor, carbonation level, and/or modify other formulation factors to create a customized product formulation.
  • the processor or controller, such as 106 associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can receive any number of modifications from the consumer via the user interface, such as 112 . In any instance, the consumer is allowed to modify the recipe of the selected product by adding and/or subtracting ingredients.
  • Block 912 is followed by block 914 , in which if the selected product is from the consumer's recipe list profile, then the consumer is prompted as to whether to save the changes.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can determine whether the selected product is from the consumer's recipe list profile, and if so, then prompt the consumer is prompted as to whether to save the changes to the consumer's recipe list profile.
  • the processor or controller, such as 106 can receive a consumer input or selection via a user interface, such as 112 , and determine whether the input or selection corresponds to whether to store the changes to the consumer's recipe list profile.
  • Block 914 is followed to decision block 916 , in which a determination is made as to whether the consumer wants to save changes to his or her recipe list profile. If the determination is in the affirmative, that is, the consumer wants to save changes to their recipe list profile, then the method 900 continues to block 918 . If the determination is in the negative, that is, the consumer does not want to save changes to his or her recipe list profile, then the method 900 continues to block 910 .
  • the processor or controller such as 106 , can determine whether the consumer wants to save changes to his or her recipe list profile by way of receipt of a consumer input or selection via a user interface, such as 112 .
  • changes to the consumer recipe list profile are saved, and as needed, data communicated to a data processing resource.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can update the recipe list profile associated with the consumer with any changes made by the consumer.
  • the recipe list profile can be updated and stored in an associated memory or data storage device, such as 110 .
  • a local and/or remote server or data processing resource such as 126 , can update the recipe list profile associated with the consumer and store the profile in a memory or data storage device, such as 110 .
  • changes to the consumer recipe list profile are saved, and as needed, data communicated to a data processing resource.
  • the desired customized product is dispensed to the consumer.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can allow the consumer to dispense a desired customized product.
  • a consumer may want to choose between standard products such as COCA-COLATM, DIET COCA-COLATM, FANTA ORANGETM, etc. and his or her recipe list profile products.
  • a product dispenser can retrieve the consumer's recipe list profile and then offer the consumer a choice between standard product menu products and his or her customized recipe list profile products.
  • an example method 1000 of charging for a product based on the volume of product dispensed and paying for the product by way of cashless payment implement is illustrated.
  • the method 1000 begins in block 1002 .
  • an input is received from the consumer to select a product.
  • a consumer can enter data via a user interface, such as 112 in FIG. 1 , such as selection of an indicator corresponding to a product, such as DIET CHERRY COKETM.
  • other products can be selected by a consumer, or other data associated with one or more product selections can be entered by a consumer.
  • a product selection can be effectuated by way of a graphical user interface associated with a product dispenser, such as user interface 112 .
  • Block 1002 is followed by block 1004 , in which the PRICE PER OUNCE is determined and optionally displayed.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , can determine a PRICE PER OUNCE or other cost per unit for a selected product.
  • the controller such as 106
  • the controller such as 106 , can optionally display the PRICE PER OUNCE or other cost per unit of the selected product via a user interface, such as 112 , associated with a product dispenser, such as 102 A.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 can communicate with a local and/or remote server or data processing resource, such as 126 , to determine a PRICE PER OUNCE or other cost per unit for a selected product. In any instance, the PRICE PER OUNCE is determined and optionally displayed.
  • Block 1004 is followed by block 1006 , in which the consumer purchase is authorized by way of a machine readable item.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can facilitate and authorize a payment from a cashless implement, such as a machine readable item, associated with a consumer.
  • the processor or controller, such as 106 can receive payment information from a cashless implement, such as a machine readable item, associated with a consumer.
  • the payment information can include, but is not limited to, a credit or debit card or account number.
  • an option can be provided to a consumer to purchase the product via a client-type device or a wireless communication device, such as 214 A- 214 C in FIG. 2 .
  • the consumer can pay for the selected product by authorizing payment via the client-type device or a wireless communication device, such as 214 A- 214 C, and the payment can be received via an associated network, such as 104 .
  • the consumer provided cashless implement is accepted and the product purchase is authorized.
  • Block 1006 is followed by decision block 1008 , in which a determination is made as to whether the payment authorization was successful. If the determination is in the affirmative, that is, the authorization attempt was ‘OK’, then method 1200 continues at block 1210 . If the determination is in the negative, that is, the authorization attempt was not ‘OK’, then method 1200 continues at block 1224 .
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can determine whether the payment authorization was successful.
  • the processor or controller, such as 106 can receive an authorization message from a local and/or remote server or data processing resource, such as 126 .
  • the authorization message can include, but is not limited to, an authorization code, a transaction code, or a message that the transaction is ‘OK’.
  • the selected product is dispensed.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can allow the consumer to dispense a desired product.
  • Block 1010 is followed by block 1012 , in which the dispensed product volume is monitored.
  • a processor or controller such as 106
  • the controller such as 106
  • a product volume such as a BEVERAGE VOLUME
  • a calculation formula such as the FINAL BEVERAGE COST calculation formula
  • Block 1012 is followed by block 1014 , in which the product price is calculated.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 , can determine a price, such as a CURRENT PRICE, or other price for the selected product.
  • a calculation can be based in part on a formula that includes the PRICE PER OUNCE (or other volume units) multiplied by the dispensed BEVERAGE VOLUME.
  • Block 1014 is followed by decision block 1016 , in which a determination is made as to whether the consumer is done dispensing the selected product. If the determination is in the affirmative, that is, the consumer is done dispensing the selected product, then the method 1000 continues at block 1018 . If the determination is in the negative, that is, the consumer is not done dispensing the selected product, then the method 1000 continues at block 1012 .
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can determine whether the consumer is done dispensing the selected product. For example, the processor or controller, such as 106 , can detect when a predefined amount of selected product has been dispensed, or when the dispenser has ceased to dispense the selected product, and thus determine whether the consumer is done dispensing the selected product.
  • a processor or controller associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can inform the consumer that the product dispensing is complete. For example, after the consumer requests a product fill and the consumer completes the filling of the selected product, the controller, such as 106 , can provide a communication, such as a message via a user interface associated with the product dispenser, such as user interface 112 , that the product dispensing is complete.
  • Block 1018 is followed by block 1020 , in which the final product price is optionally determined and displayed.
  • a processor or controller such as 106
  • the controller such as 106 in FIG. 1
  • the controller can optionally display the final product price, such as a FINAL BEVERAGE COST, or other cost of the selected product via a user interface, such as 112 , associated with a product dispenser, such as 102 A.
  • a processor or controller such as 106
  • the FINAL BEVERAGE COST is optionally determined and displayed.
  • Block 1022 is followed by block 1022 , in which the consumer's machine readable item is charged.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can facilitate and authorize a payment from a cashless implement, such as a machine readable item, associated with a consumer.
  • the processor or controller such as 106
  • the payment information can include, but is not limited to, a credit or debit card or account number.
  • an option can be provided to a consumer to purchase the product via a client-type device or a wireless communication device, such as 214 A- 214 C in FIG. 2 .
  • the consumer can pay for the selected product by authorizing payment via the client-type device or a wireless communication device, such as 214 A-C, and the payment can be received via an associated network, such as 104 .
  • a charging the consumer's cashless implement can include, but is not limited to, charging a consumer's credit card, hotel room, prepaid account, and/or charging other types/and kinds of accounts associated with the consumer's cashless implement, as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment. In any instance, the consumer's cashless implement is charged.
  • the method 1000 ends after block 1022 .
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can determine the consumer cashless implement authorization was not successful or otherwise failed.
  • the processor or controller, such as 106 can receive an authorization message from a local and/or remote server or data processing resource, such as 126 .
  • the authorization message can include, but is not limited to, a failure code, a transaction code, an error message, an insufficient funds message, or a message that the transaction was not ‘OK’.
  • the method 1000 ends after block 1024 .
  • a consumer can use a cashless implement to activate a product dispenser.
  • the product dispenser can determine a PRICE PER OUNCE for a particular product.
  • the TOTAL BEVERAGE COST for the product can be calculated based on the VOLUME OF BEVERAGE DISPENSED in ounces multiplied by the PRICE PER OUNCE.
  • the cost of the product can be based on volume dispensed not on a fixed fee for a cup size such as small, medium, or large.
  • a cashless implement can include, but is not limited to, a machine readable item, a cashless loyalty icon, a prepaid card, a credit card, a hotel room key, a stored value account, a wireless device, and/or other types and/or kinds of cashless implements, as may be required and or desired in a particular embodiment.
  • a PRICE PER OUNCE can alternatively be a PRICE PER MILLILITER or any other unit of measurement, as may be required and or desired in a particular embodiment.
  • other pricing and costing formulas can be utilized as necessary to produce a PRICE PER VOLUME and/or a TOTAL BEVERAGE COST based on dispensed volume.
  • an example method 1100 of charging for a product based on the volume of product dispensed and paying for the product by way of prepayment begins in block 1102 .
  • an input is received from a consumer to prepay for a product establishing a MAX BEVERAGE COST.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can prompt the consumer to prepay for a product which can establish a MAX BEVERAGE COST value.
  • the processor or controller, such as 106 can prompt the consumer to prepay via any monetary or financial transaction device or method, such as receiving a credit or debit card or account number.
  • a prepayment for a selected product can be by way of cashless or currency based transaction.
  • an option can be provided to a consumer to prepay for the product and/or promotional offer via a client-type device or a wireless communication device, such as 214 A- 214 C in FIG. 2 .
  • the consumer can prepay for the selected product by authorizing payment via the client-type device or a wireless communication device, such as 214 A- 214 C, and the payment can be received via an associated network, such as 104 .
  • the consumer is allowed to prepay for a product establishing a MAX BEVERAGE COST.
  • Block 1102 is followed by block 1104 , in which an input is received from the consumer to select a product.
  • a consumer can enter data via a user interface, such as 112 in FIG. 1 , such as selection of an indicator corresponding to a product, such as DIET CHERRY COKETM.
  • other products can be selected by a consumer, or other data associated with one or more product selections can be entered by a consumer.
  • a product selection can be effectuated by way of a graphical user interface associated with a product dispenser, such as user interface 112 .
  • Block 1104 is followed by block 1106 , in which a price per ounce is determined and optionally displayed.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , can determine a PRICE PER OUNCE or other cost per unit for a selected product.
  • the controller such as 106
  • the controller such as 106
  • a processor or controller such as 106 can communicate with a local and/or remote server or data processing resource, such as 126 , to determine a PRICE PER OUNCE or other cost per unit for a selected product. In any instance, the PRICE PER OUNCE is determined and optionally displayed.
  • Block 1106 is followed by block 1108 , in which the selected product is dispensed.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can allow the consumer to dispense a desired product.
  • Block 1108 is followed by block 1110 , in which the dispensed product volume is monitored.
  • a processor or controller such as 106
  • the controller such as 106
  • the BEVERAGE VOLUME can be used in the FINAL BEVERAGE COST calculation formulas, and to limit the amount of product dispensed as not to exceed the MAX BEVERAGE COST upper limit, and/or for other purposes, as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment.
  • the BEVERAGE VOLUME can be used in the FINAL BEVERAGE COST calculation formulas, and to limit the amount of product dispensed as not to exceed the MAX BEVERAGE COST upper limit, and/or for other purposes, as may be required and/or desired in a particular embodiment.
  • Block 1112 is followed by block 1112 , in which the current product price is calculated.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 , can determine a BEVERAGE CURRENT PRICE or other price for the selected product.
  • a calculation can be based in part on a formula that includes the PRICE PER OUNCE (or other volume units) multiplied by the dispensed BEVERAGE VOLUME.
  • Block 1112 is followed by decision block 1114 , in which a determination is made as to whether the consumer has reached the MAX BEVERAGE COST. If the determination is in the affirmative, that is, the consumer has reached the MAX BEVERAGE COST, then the method 1100 continues at block 1120 . If the determination is in the negative, that is, the consumer has not reached the MAX BEVERAGE COST, then the method 1100 continues at decision block 1116 .
  • a processor or controller such as 106 , can determine whether the MAX BEVERAGE COST or other cost per unit for a selected product is reached or otherwise exceeded. For example, the controller, such as 106 , can communicate with an associated memory or data storage device, such as 110 , to compare a MAX BEVERAGE COST for the selected product with the BEVERAGE CURRENT PRICE.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can determine whether the consumer is done dispensing the selected product. For example, the processor or controller, such as 106 , can detect when a predefined amount of selected product has been dispensed, or when the dispenser has ceased to dispense the selected product, and thus determine whether the consumer is done dispensing the selected product.
  • a consumer can obtain a refund if the MAX BEVERAGE COST is greater than the calculated cost for the FINAL BEVERAGE COST.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 , can determine if the MAX BEVERAGE COST is greater than the calculated cost for the FINAL BEVERAGE COST, and if so, then a refund can be provided to the consumer.
  • Block 1118 is followed by block 1120 , in which the consumer is prompted that the product dispensing is complete.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , associated with the product dispenser, such as 102 A, can inform the consumer that the product dispensing is complete. For example, after the consumer requests a product fill and the consumer completes the filling of the selected product, the controller, such as 106 , can provide a communication, such as a message via a user interface associated with the product dispenser, such as user interface 112 , that the product dispensing is complete.
  • Block 1120 is followed by block 1122 , in which the final product price is optionally determined and displayed.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 in FIG. 1 , can determine a FINAL BEVERAGE COST or other cost per unit for a selected product.
  • the controller such as 106
  • the controller such as 106 , can optionally display the FINAL BEVERAGE COST or other cost of the selected product via a user interface, such as 112 , associated with a product dispenser, such as 102 A.
  • a processor or controller such as 106 can communicate with a local and/or remote server or data processing resource, such as 126 , to determine a FINAL BEVERAGE COST or other cost for a selected product.
  • a local and/or remote server or data processing resource such as 126
  • the FINAL BEVERAGE COST is optionally determined and displayed.
  • the method 1100 ends after block 1122 .
  • a consumer can prepay for a product.
  • a MAX BEVERAGE COST equal to the prepayment can be determined.
  • the consumer can then operate the product dispenser dispensing a product in a PRICE PER OUNCE model.
  • the consumer can dispense a TOTAL BEVERAGE VOLUME which in part determines a TOTAL BEVERAGE COST up the MAX BEVERAGE COST, wherein the TOTAL BEVERAGE COST is the TOTAL BEVERAGE VOLUME multiplied by the PRICE PER OUNCE.
  • a dispensed TOTAL BEVERAGE VOLUME is limited by formula and PRICE PER OUNCE to the prepaid MAX BEVERAGE COST amount.
  • PRICE PER OUNCE the amount of prepaid MAX BEVERAGE COST.
  • a partial refund can be calculated and paid back to the consumer.
  • one or more aspects of the invention can be included in an article of manufacture (e.g., one or more computer program products) having, for instance, computer usable media.
  • the media has embodied therein, for instance, computer readable program code means for providing and facilitating the capabilities of the embodiment of the invention.
  • the article of manufacture can be included as a part of a computer system or sold separately.
  • One example of a suitable article of manufacture is a consumer interaction engine or module, such as 114 described in FIG. 1 .
  • At least one program storage device readable by a machine tangibly embodying at least one program or set of instructions executable by the machine to perform the capabilities of the embodiment of the invention can be provided.
  • a suitable program storage device readable by machine is a memory or data storage device, such as 110 described in FIG. 1 .

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Finance (AREA)
  • Development Economics (AREA)
  • Economics (AREA)
  • Marketing (AREA)
  • Strategic Management (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
US12/204,494 2007-09-06 2008-09-04 Systems and methods for facilitating consumer-dispenser interactions Active 2031-04-10 US9051162B2 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/204,494 US9051162B2 (en) 2007-09-06 2008-09-04 Systems and methods for facilitating consumer-dispenser interactions
US14/702,832 US20150251891A1 (en) 2007-09-06 2015-05-04 Systems and Methods for Facilitating Consumer-Dispenser Interactions

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US97051107P 2007-09-06 2007-09-06
US97051307P 2007-09-06 2007-09-06
US12/204,494 US9051162B2 (en) 2007-09-06 2008-09-04 Systems and methods for facilitating consumer-dispenser interactions

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/702,832 Continuation US20150251891A1 (en) 2007-09-06 2015-05-04 Systems and Methods for Facilitating Consumer-Dispenser Interactions

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20090070234A1 US20090070234A1 (en) 2009-03-12
US9051162B2 true US9051162B2 (en) 2015-06-09

Family

ID=40220137

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/204,494 Active 2031-04-10 US9051162B2 (en) 2007-09-06 2008-09-04 Systems and methods for facilitating consumer-dispenser interactions
US14/702,832 Abandoned US20150251891A1 (en) 2007-09-06 2015-05-04 Systems and Methods for Facilitating Consumer-Dispenser Interactions

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/702,832 Abandoned US20150251891A1 (en) 2007-09-06 2015-05-04 Systems and Methods for Facilitating Consumer-Dispenser Interactions

Country Status (10)

Country Link
US (2) US9051162B2 (pt)
EP (1) EP2206095A2 (pt)
JP (1) JP5597132B2 (pt)
CN (2) CN101855656A (pt)
AU (1) AU2008296269A1 (pt)
BR (1) BRPI0816379B1 (pt)
MX (2) MX336745B (pt)
RU (2) RU2485594C2 (pt)
WO (1) WO2009032941A2 (pt)
ZA (1) ZA201001753B (pt)

Cited By (36)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20140114469A1 (en) * 2012-09-12 2014-04-24 Barry Givens Systems and Methods for Automatic Mixed Drink Dispensing
US20150082989A1 (en) * 2012-04-24 2015-03-26 Nestec S.A. User-Interface for Beverage Preparation Machines
US20160096715A1 (en) * 2009-02-11 2016-04-07 Pepsico, Inc. Beverage Dispense Valve Controlled by Wireless Technology
US9499382B2 (en) 2007-09-06 2016-11-22 The Coca-Cola Company Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling the dispense of a plurality of product forming ingredients
US20170043992A1 (en) * 2014-04-30 2017-02-16 The Coca-Cola Company Dispensing system
WO2019032969A1 (en) 2017-08-11 2019-02-14 The Coca-Cola Company BEVERAGE DISPENSER HAVING PERSONALIZED NUTRIENT LEVELS AND MULTIPLE SOURCES OF SWEETENER
USD862148S1 (en) 2017-12-13 2019-10-08 Pepsico, Inc. Dispenser
US10515327B2 (en) 2016-02-23 2019-12-24 Cornelius, Inc. Beverage dispensing validation method and system
US10689240B1 (en) 2017-06-07 2020-06-23 Cornelius, Inc. Automated beverage dispensing machines
US20210146322A1 (en) * 2018-04-30 2021-05-20 Firmenich Sa Apparatus for customized production of a flavoring agent mix
US11147411B2 (en) 2016-04-07 2021-10-19 Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A. Beverage preparation machine with two-liquid circuits and electronic device for controlling the same
US11182052B2 (en) * 2016-11-10 2021-11-23 Lg Electronics Inc. Mobile terminal performing method of registering and searching recipe of beer brewed by beer maker and recording medium recording program performing the method
US11208315B2 (en) 2018-04-02 2021-12-28 Pepsico, Inc. Unattended beverage dispensing systems and methods
US11337533B1 (en) * 2018-06-08 2022-05-24 Infuze, L.L.C. Portable system for dispensing controlled quantities of additives into a beverage
US11407630B1 (en) * 2021-03-03 2022-08-09 Smart Soda Holdings, Inc. On demand functional beverage dispenser
US11612865B1 (en) 2022-05-13 2023-03-28 Sharkninja Operating Llc Agitator for a carbonation system
US11634314B1 (en) 2022-11-17 2023-04-25 Sharkninja Operating Llc Dosing accuracy
US11647860B1 (en) 2022-05-13 2023-05-16 Sharkninja Operating Llc Flavored beverage carbonation system
US11738988B1 (en) 2022-11-17 2023-08-29 Sharkninja Operating Llc Ingredient container valve control
US11745996B1 (en) 2022-11-17 2023-09-05 Sharkninja Operating Llc Ingredient containers for use with beverage dispensers
US11751585B1 (en) 2022-05-13 2023-09-12 Sharkninja Operating Llc Flavored beverage carbonation system
US11866314B2 (en) 2015-06-11 2024-01-09 Cirkul, Inc. Portable system for dispensing controlled quantities of additives into a beverage
US11871867B1 (en) 2023-03-22 2024-01-16 Sharkninja Operating Llc Additive container with bottom cover
US11871865B2 (en) 2019-09-14 2024-01-16 Cirkul, Inc. Portable beverage container systems and methods for adjusting the composition of a beverage
US11903516B1 (en) 2020-04-25 2024-02-20 Cirkul, Inc. Systems and methods for bottle apparatuses, container assemblies, and dispensing apparatuses
US11925287B1 (en) 2023-03-22 2024-03-12 Sharkninja Operating Llc Additive container with inlet tube
US11961373B2 (en) 2020-07-01 2024-04-16 Pepsico, Inc. Method and system of touch-free vending
US12005404B2 (en) 2022-08-22 2024-06-11 Sharkninja Operating Llc Beverage carbonation system flow control
US12005408B1 (en) 2023-04-14 2024-06-11 Sharkninja Operating Llc Mixing funnel
US12043535B2 (en) 2020-12-10 2024-07-23 H2Yo Personalized dietary supplement dispensing device
US12076697B2 (en) 2020-07-15 2024-09-03 Cirkul, Inc. Portable carbonating dispensers
US12084334B2 (en) 2022-11-17 2024-09-10 Sharkninja Operating Llc Ingredient container
US12096880B2 (en) 2022-05-13 2024-09-24 Sharkninja Operating Llc Flavorant for beverage carbonation system
US12103840B2 (en) 2022-11-17 2024-10-01 Sharkninja Operating Llc Ingredient container with sealing valve
US12116257B1 (en) 2023-03-22 2024-10-15 Sharkninja Operating Llc Adapter for beverage dispenser
US12128009B1 (en) 2020-04-25 2024-10-29 Cirkul, Inc. Systems and methods for bottle apparatuses, container assemblies, and dispensing apparatuses

Families Citing this family (67)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP5544291B2 (ja) 2007-09-06 2014-07-09 ザ コカ・コーラ カンパニー 飲料ディスペンサー及び方法
CN101855655B (zh) 2007-09-06 2014-07-16 可口可乐公司 帮助消费者-分配器互动的系统和方法
AU2008296297B2 (en) 2007-09-06 2013-06-06 The Cola-Cola Company Systems and methods for providing portion control programming in a product forming dispenser
RU2500611C2 (ru) 2007-09-06 2013-12-10 Дзе Кока-Кола Компани Система и способ выбора и розлива продуктов
EP2212864A1 (en) 2007-09-06 2010-08-04 The Coca-Cola Company Device and method for operating an interactive dispenser
CN101828207B (zh) 2007-09-06 2013-02-27 可口可乐公司 饮料分配器
WO2010003932A1 (en) * 2008-07-09 2010-01-14 Nestec S.A. Ergonomic interface screen for a beverage machine
US9908767B2 (en) 2008-11-10 2018-03-06 Automatic Bar Controls, Inc. Beverage dispensing apparatus with presence sensing
US9588608B2 (en) 2008-11-10 2017-03-07 Automatic Bar Controls, Inc. ADA enabled touch screen interface for a beverage dispensing machine
US9622615B2 (en) 2008-11-10 2017-04-18 Automatic Bar Controls, Inc. Touch screen interface for a beverage dispensing machine
CA2746121C (en) * 2008-12-08 2016-09-13 Enodis Corporation A device and method of creating a beverage recipe for an integrated system for dispensing and blending/mixing beverage ingredients
US9754437B2 (en) * 2009-11-24 2017-09-05 Pepsico, Inc. Automated beverage formulation
US8335592B2 (en) 2009-11-24 2012-12-18 Pepsico, Inc. Beverage dispensing device
US8490829B2 (en) 2009-11-24 2013-07-23 Pepsico, Inc. Personalized beverage dispensing device
US8442674B2 (en) 2010-02-05 2013-05-14 Ecowell Container-less custom beverage vending invention
US10017372B2 (en) 2010-02-05 2018-07-10 Ecowell, Llc Container-less custom beverage vending invention
US10000370B2 (en) 2010-02-05 2018-06-19 Ecowell, Llc Container-less custom beverage vending invention
MX2013003894A (es) * 2010-10-07 2013-06-28 Nestec Sa Despachador de bebidas con parametros sensoriales de bebidas seleccionables.
US9020635B2 (en) * 2010-10-29 2015-04-28 Whirlpool Corporation Beverage dispensing system with user customizable inputs
CN103889883A (zh) * 2011-03-25 2014-06-25 科琳·贝丝·范德斯蒂恩 可持续散装液体分配装置
MX346223B (es) 2011-04-22 2017-03-10 Pepsico Inc Sistema de distribución de bebidas con capacidades de medios sociales.
US8985396B2 (en) * 2011-05-26 2015-03-24 Pepsico. Inc. Modular dispensing system
US8676376B2 (en) * 2011-06-24 2014-03-18 The Coca-Cola Company Systems and methods for dispensing control for a product dispenser
US9218704B2 (en) * 2011-11-01 2015-12-22 Pepsico, Inc. Dispensing system and user interface
US9388033B2 (en) 2012-02-08 2016-07-12 Fbd Partnership, Lp Beverage dispenser
US8528786B2 (en) 2012-02-08 2013-09-10 FBD Partnership Beverage dispenser
US9646314B2 (en) * 2012-04-20 2017-05-09 The Coca-Cola Company Systems and methods for providing a promotion for a combined product dispensed from a product dispenser
US9245402B2 (en) 2012-04-20 2016-01-26 The Coca-Cola Company Systems and methods for providing a combined product for dispensing from a product dispenser
WO2014017988A1 (en) * 2012-07-27 2014-01-30 Vick Anthony Refrigerated champagne dispensing and preservation system and method thereof
US11928911B2 (en) * 2012-08-06 2024-03-12 The Coca-Cola Company Systems and methods for dispensing products selected at remote point-of-sale devices
CN103020855B (zh) * 2012-12-11 2016-02-10 北京京东世纪贸易有限公司 基于用户购买行为来识别不良商品的方法和系统
US10026043B2 (en) * 2012-12-14 2018-07-17 The Coca-Cola Company Blend plan optimization for concentrated consumable products
CN104271494B (zh) * 2013-03-13 2017-05-31 伯格有限责任公司 用于从容器分发液体的系统和方法
WO2015021309A1 (en) * 2013-08-07 2015-02-12 The Coca-Cola Company Dynamically adjusting ratios of beverages in a mixed beverage
JP6168933B2 (ja) 2013-09-09 2017-07-26 パナソニック インテレクチュアル プロパティ コーポレーション オブ アメリカＰａｎａｓｏｎｉｃ Ｉｎｔｅｌｌｅｃｔｕａｌ Ｐｒｏｐｅｒｔｙ Ｃｏｒｐｏｒａｔｉｏｎ ｏｆ Ａｍｅｒｉｃａ 情報端末装置の制御方法
CN104545454A (zh) * 2013-10-29 2015-04-29 新宝基电器（深圳）有限公司 一种饮料机
US9527716B2 (en) 2013-11-22 2016-12-27 Michael J. Kline System, method, and apparatus for purchasing, dispensing, or sampling of products
US9633504B2 (en) 2013-11-22 2017-04-25 Michael J Kline System, method, and apparatus for purchasing, dispensing, or sampling of products
US9701530B2 (en) 2013-11-22 2017-07-11 Michael J. Kline System, method, and apparatus for purchasing, dispensing, or sampling of products
DE102013113497A1 (de) 2013-12-04 2015-06-11 Eugster/Frismag Ag Vorrichtung zur automatisierten Bereitung eines Heißgetränks
CN103690044B (zh) * 2013-12-13 2015-09-09 宁波瑞易电器科技发展有限公司 一种苏打饮料机
AU2015241004B2 (en) * 2014-03-31 2020-10-15 The Coca-Cola Company Self-serve product dispenser
US9886810B1 (en) * 2014-04-09 2018-02-06 Gpcp Ip Holdings Llc Universal dispenser interface
USD748196S1 (en) 2014-08-27 2016-01-26 Outerwall Inc. Consumer operated kiosk for sampling products
WO2016067600A1 (ja) * 2014-10-31 2016-05-06 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 飲料供給装置
US10657780B1 (en) 2015-01-29 2020-05-19 Transparensee Llc System, method, and apparatus for mixing, blending, dispensing, monitoring, and labeling products
WO2016174635A1 (en) * 2015-04-30 2016-11-03 N&W Global Vending S.P.A. Automatic beverage dispensing machine with improved human-machine interface
EP3168815A1 (de) * 2015-11-16 2017-05-17 Qbo Coffee GmbH System mit getränkezubereitungsmaschine, verfahren und computerprogramm zu dessen ansteuerung
EP3178782A1 (en) * 2015-12-08 2017-06-14 Carlsberg Breweries A/S A beverage font for a beverage dispensing system, a beverage dispensing system comprising a beverage font and a method of dispensing a mixed alcoholic beverage product by providing a beverage dispensing system
EP3239093A1 (en) * 2016-04-25 2017-11-01 Charles Seadon Automatic beverage, drinks, and snacks dispenser
AU2017260091A1 (en) * 2016-05-05 2018-12-06 The Coca-Cola Company Beverage dispenser controls
CN109562925A (zh) * 2016-06-01 2019-04-02 自动阻碍控制器股份有限公司 具有可变碳酸化能力的饮料分配机
EP3526681B1 (en) * 2016-10-12 2024-09-25 The Coca-Cola Company System and method for integrating a beverage dispensing app for ordering and dispensing a beverage
US10899595B2 (en) * 2016-12-30 2021-01-26 The Coca-Cola Company System and method for tracking dispensed products at participating customer locations
DE102017216857A1 (de) * 2017-09-22 2019-03-28 Jan Lukas Braje Verfahren und System zur Getränkezubereitung
WO2019099668A1 (en) * 2017-11-15 2019-05-23 The Coca-Cola Company Dispenser with haptic feedback touch-to-pour user interface
AU2018400233A1 (en) * 2018-01-05 2020-07-30 Billi Australia Pty Ltd Variable carbonation beverage dispensing system
US11312607B2 (en) * 2018-07-13 2022-04-26 The Coca-Cola Company Graphical user interface on a kiosk
AU2019366305A1 (en) * 2018-10-22 2021-05-13 Pepsico, Inc. Beverage dispensing system
IT201900003482U1 (pt) * 2018-10-30 2021-01-13
CN110021115A (zh) * 2019-03-08 2019-07-16 周红光 一种应用于学习机和游乐机的奖品输出装置
EP4004884A1 (en) 2019-07-25 2022-06-01 Philip Morris Products, S.A. Vending apparatus for aerosol generating articles
WO2021046503A1 (en) * 2019-09-06 2021-03-11 Flow Control LLC In-line gas liquid infusion smart system
CN110482471A (zh) * 2019-09-09 2019-11-22 盛虹集团有限公司 助剂输送方法及系统
WO2022132806A1 (en) 2020-12-16 2022-06-23 Fresh Blends Ltd Smart inventory management system for a dispensing and blend-in-cup beverage platform
USD1006520S1 (en) 2021-09-29 2023-12-05 Starbucks Corporation Syrup dispenser
US20230264939A1 (en) * 2022-02-23 2023-08-24 Wild Flower Holdings Inc. Customizable beverages

Citations (177)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3991911A (en) 1973-09-07 1976-11-16 American Beverage Control Automatic drink dispensing apparatus having programming means
US4358171A (en) 1979-06-01 1982-11-09 Societe Pour L'exploitation De L'hotel Du Rhone Installation comprising an ice-box for a hotel room
JPS5955597A (ja) 1982-09-24 1984-03-30 富士電機株式会社 液体商品の自動販売機
US4525071A (en) 1984-05-31 1985-06-25 Crawford & Russell, Inc. Additive inventory control, batching and delivery system
US4549675A (en) * 1982-09-07 1985-10-29 The Cornelius Co. Beverage dispensing valve
US4563739A (en) 1983-07-18 1986-01-07 Impulse Computer Systems, Inc. Inventory and business management system which accounts for the contents of full and partially filled product containers
JPS61288289A (ja) 1985-06-14 1986-12-18 富士電機株式会社 飲料自動販売機の制御装置
US4732300A (en) * 1987-03-10 1988-03-22 Automatic Bar Controls, Inc. Premixed beverage dispenser
US4819176A (en) 1987-02-06 1989-04-04 Treasure Isle, Inc. Process control and data collection system
US4907723A (en) * 1986-03-10 1990-03-13 Solly Katz Fluid dispenser including an arrangement to impart wave-like motion to the store fluid
FR2624844B1 (fr) 1987-12-18 1990-07-20 Andries Eric Appareil pour la confection de boissons constituees de melanges d'ingredients, notamment de cocktails
DE4013147A1 (de) 1990-04-25 1991-10-31 Schreiber Hans Verfahren und vorrichtung zum betanken von kraftfahrzeugen mittels elektronisch lesbarer abbuchvorrichtung
US5147068A (en) 1991-01-16 1992-09-15 Wright Food Systems, Inc. Automated food vending system
JPH0589329A (ja) 1991-06-07 1993-04-09 Koki Bussan Kk 自動販売機
JPH0594577A (ja) 1991-06-13 1993-04-16 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd 自動販売機
JPH05128349A (ja) 1991-08-29 1993-05-25 Fuji Facom Corp 自動販売機制御装置
BE1005369A6 (nl) 1991-09-30 1993-07-06 Vdo N V Cocktailmachine.
US5255819A (en) 1990-02-09 1993-10-26 Peckels Arganious E Method and apparatus for manual dispensing from discrete vessels with electronic system control and dispensing data generation on each vessel, data transmission by radio or interrogator, and remote data recording
US5312017A (en) 1991-08-30 1994-05-17 The Coca-Cola Company Product identification system for beverage dispenser
US5350082A (en) 1992-11-09 1994-09-27 Alex Kiriakides, Jr. Automatic soda fountain and method
US5358145A (en) 1993-04-19 1994-10-25 Bio Techniques Laboratories, Inc. Dispenser for delivering microingredients from cartridges
US5408917A (en) * 1992-07-01 1995-04-25 Luessi; Andre Appliance for preparation of hot drinks
US5603430A (en) 1995-02-10 1997-02-18 Dec International, Inc. Beverage dispensing system with bottle identification mechanism
US5615801A (en) 1990-06-06 1997-04-01 The Coca-Cola Company Juice concentrate package for postmix dispenser
US5691684A (en) 1995-09-20 1997-11-25 Symbol Technologies, Inc. Article storage container with bar code scanning
US5715700A (en) 1995-06-05 1998-02-10 The Coca-Cola Company Round drink dispenser
US5798694A (en) 1996-12-19 1998-08-25 Motorola, Inc. Food storage apparatus and methods and systems for monitoring a food item
WO1998037518A1 (en) 1997-02-25 1998-08-27 Dresser Industries, Inc. Bar code reader for a fuel dispenser
US5839610A (en) 1997-10-14 1998-11-24 Crane Co. Ingredient mixing bowl and moisture reduction system for a vending machine
US5842603A (en) 1990-06-06 1998-12-01 The Coca-Cola Company Postmix juice dispenser
US5884807A (en) 1997-03-11 1999-03-23 Kwangju Electronics Co., Ltd. Vending machine for a sequential purchase of goods
JPH11262649A (ja) 1998-03-18 1999-09-28 Omron Corp 混合装置および方法、ならびに飲料供給装置
US5997924A (en) * 1997-02-04 1999-12-07 Lmo Consultants, Inc. Automated process for making pizza
RU2146102C1 (ru) 1999-01-11 2000-03-10 Закрытое акционерное общество "Троя" Способ получения плодово-ягодных напитков
JP2000099822A (ja) 1998-09-18 2000-04-07 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd カップ飲料ディスペンサー及びそのためのバッグインボックスシロップ容器
US6053359A (en) 1997-12-22 2000-04-25 Mcdonald's Corporation Automated beverage system
US6116460A (en) 1997-06-18 2000-09-12 Samsung Kwang-Ju Electronics Co., Ltd. Vending machine
US6119434A (en) 1998-04-21 2000-09-19 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, Sa Multi-product packaging machine with bar code reader
US6131399A (en) 1997-12-04 2000-10-17 Hall; Donald M. Refrigerated vending machine
US6152591A (en) 1996-03-04 2000-11-28 Dresser Industries, Inc. Interactive graphics display system for a fuel dispenser
US6161059A (en) 1998-09-14 2000-12-12 Walker Digital, Llc Vending machine method and apparatus for encouraging participation in a marketing effort
US6238721B1 (en) 1999-06-21 2001-05-29 Bunn-O-Matic Corporation Wireless grinder-brewer interface and method of use
JP2001250161A (ja) 2000-03-07 2001-09-14 Sanden Corp 飲料自動販売機
JP2001319026A (ja) 2000-03-24 2001-11-16 Mars Inc 調査クーポン読取りシステム
WO2002011087A1 (en) 2000-07-27 2002-02-07 Bp P.L.C. Method and apparatus for fuel retail
US6354468B1 (en) 2000-10-18 2002-03-12 Dec International, Inc. Beverage dispenser transponder identification system
JP2002099950A (ja) 2000-09-25 2002-04-05 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd 携帯端末を用いた自動販売機の制御方法およびその装置、ならびに自動販売機
US6377868B1 (en) 1999-10-28 2002-04-23 Ecolab Inc. Data processing system for managing chemical product usage
US20020059175A1 (en) 2000-07-12 2002-05-16 Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. Food information management system
US20020077889A1 (en) 1998-07-20 2002-06-20 H. Brock Kolls Universal interactive advertising and payment system for public access electronic commerce and business related products and services
US6424884B1 (en) 1999-03-03 2002-07-23 The Coca-Cola Company Vending machine with transponder interrogator
US20020116261A1 (en) 2001-02-20 2002-08-22 Moskowitz Paul A. Systems and methods that facilitate an exchange of supplemental information in association with a dispensing of fuel
JP2002245536A (ja) 2001-02-20 2002-08-30 Nippon Conlux Co Ltd 自動販売システム
US20020123926A1 (en) 2001-03-01 2002-09-05 Bushold Thomas R. System and method for implementing a loyalty program incorporating on-line and off-line transactions
US20020129712A1 (en) * 2001-03-16 2002-09-19 The Procter & Gamble Co. Beverage brewing system
US20020143626A1 (en) 2001-03-29 2002-10-03 Voltmer Theodore S. System and method for networked loyalty program
US6465035B1 (en) 1999-06-21 2002-10-15 Bunn-O-Matic Corporation Beverage maker-funnel combination and method of use
US6470233B1 (en) 1997-09-26 2002-10-22 Gilbarco Inc. Fuel dispensing and retail system for preventing use of stolen transponders
WO2002083282A1 (en) * 2001-04-10 2002-10-24 The Procter & Gamble Company Customized hair colorant formulating and dispensing apparatus and method
US20020161653A1 (en) 1997-08-26 2002-10-31 Walker Jay S. Method and apparatus for vending a combination of products
CN1378432A (zh) 1999-08-14 2002-11-06 宝洁公司 利用延迟混合来按需提供定制的各种新冲泡咖啡的方法和系统
US6479086B1 (en) 1999-06-21 2002-11-12 Bunn-O-Matic Corporation Dispenser-maker interface and method of use
US20030010791A1 (en) 2001-07-13 2003-01-16 Andrew Gentiluomo Method and apparatus for dispensing a customized pharamaceutical mixture
JP2003016164A (ja) 2001-06-30 2003-01-17 Daiichikosho Co Ltd キープボトル管理システム
US20030032474A1 (en) 2001-08-10 2003-02-13 International Game Technology Flexible loyalty points programs
JP2003506184A (ja) 1999-08-14 2003-02-18 ザ プロクター アンド ギャンブル カンパニー カストマイズした飲料をオンデマンドで提供するための遅延ろ過を使用する方法およびシステム
JP2003121505A (ja) 2001-10-17 2003-04-23 Sharp Corp テスト回路及びテスト方法
US20030083758A1 (en) * 2001-11-01 2003-05-01 Williamson Charles G. Remote updating of intelligent household appliances
US6564999B1 (en) 1999-09-09 2003-05-20 Shurflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc. Food containers with transponders
US20030129286A1 (en) 1999-06-21 2003-07-10 Knepler John T. Beverage maker interface
US20030126964A1 (en) 1998-05-22 2003-07-10 Edward Ortega Apparatus and method for removing an extraneous portion of a produce item
EP1165428B1 (en) 1999-03-26 2003-07-23 Mauro Leoni Automatic bar
US6618062B1 (en) * 1999-12-17 2003-09-09 International Business Machines Corporation Method, system and program for specifying an electronic menu with food preferences from a personal storage device
US6622064B2 (en) 2000-03-31 2003-09-16 Imx Labs, Inc. Nail polish selection method
US20030191709A1 (en) 2002-04-03 2003-10-09 Stephen Elston Distributed payment and loyalty processing for retail and vending
JP2003303372A (ja) 2002-04-09 2003-10-24 Fuji Electric Co Ltd 飲料調合機の原料管理装置
JP2003337974A (ja) 2002-05-20 2003-11-28 Ntt Docomo Inc 商品広告システム、商品広告方法、商品広告プログラム及びコンピュータ読取可能な記録媒体
US6688134B2 (en) 2001-11-13 2004-02-10 John C. Barton Touchless automatic fiber optic beverage/ice dispenser
US6698228B2 (en) 2001-11-02 2004-03-02 Moobella, Llc Method and apparatus for producing and dispensing an aerated and/or blended food product
US20040044584A1 (en) * 2002-08-27 2004-03-04 Yuan-Fen Chung Method of placing order for product with specific composition via online shopping
US20040103033A1 (en) 2002-11-21 2004-05-27 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. RFID system and method for vending machine control
US6751525B1 (en) 2000-06-08 2004-06-15 Beverage Works, Inc. Beverage distribution and dispensing system and method
US20040113786A1 (en) 2001-06-26 2004-06-17 Key-Trak, Inc. Object tracking method and system with object identification and verification
US6756069B2 (en) 1999-05-18 2004-06-29 Nestec S.A. System and method for dispensing a liquid beverage concentrate
US6759072B1 (en) 1999-08-14 2004-07-06 The Procter + Gamble Co. Methods and systems for utilizing delayed dilution, mixing and filtration for providing customized beverages on demand
US6772944B2 (en) 1999-09-15 2004-08-10 Laurie J. Brown Method and apparatus for vending a containerized liquid product utilizing an automatic self-service refill system
US6799085B1 (en) 2000-06-08 2004-09-28 Beverage Works, Inc. Appliance supply distribution, dispensing and use system method
US6807460B2 (en) 2001-12-28 2004-10-19 Pepsico, Inc. Beverage quality and communications control for a beverage forming and dispensing system
US20040243259A1 (en) 2002-07-29 2004-12-02 Peterson Norman R. Method and apparatus for monitoring commodities in a batching system
US20050003068A1 (en) * 2003-07-03 2005-01-06 The Procter & Gamble Company Compositions containing green tea catechins and one or more polyvalent mineral cations
US20050075900A1 (en) 2003-10-02 2005-04-07 Arguimbau Vincent C. Method and apparatus for bulk food marking and tracking with supplier rating system
US6907741B2 (en) 2003-02-07 2005-06-21 Moobella, Llc Dynamic process control
US20050143857A1 (en) 2000-05-23 2005-06-30 Munroe Chirnomas Article identification
WO2005063091A1 (en) 2003-12-23 2005-07-14 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. System for preparing a beverage
US6918258B2 (en) 2002-09-30 2005-07-19 Kan-Pak, Llc Semi-frozen beverage dispensing apparatus
US20050167493A1 (en) 2001-01-12 2005-08-04 Barton Steven P. RF point of purchase apparatus and method of using same
US20050182599A1 (en) 2000-09-12 2005-08-18 Knepler John T. Remote beverage equipment monitoring and control system and method
US20050178793A1 (en) 1999-05-18 2005-08-18 Pu-Sheng Cheng System, method and compositions for dispensing a liquid beverage concentrate
US20050192705A1 (en) 2003-07-01 2005-09-01 Asteres Inc. Random access and random load dispensing unit
US6941858B2 (en) 2002-08-27 2005-09-13 Moobella, Llc Efficient manufacture and distribution of chilled solid food products
US20050205666A1 (en) 2004-03-16 2005-09-22 Ward Kevin B Loyalty automatic merchandiser system
WO2005091236A1 (en) 2004-03-16 2005-09-29 John Philip Griffits Automated wine cellar
JP2005276148A (ja) 2004-03-25 2005-10-06 Next Force Corp サプリメント問診システムの提供及びサプリメント供給装置
US20050258961A1 (en) 2004-04-29 2005-11-24 Kimball James F Inventory management system using RFID
US6968876B2 (en) 2003-01-21 2005-11-29 Jaws International, Ltd. Apparatus for dispensing a substance
US6973478B1 (en) 1999-10-26 2005-12-06 Top Moxie, Inc. Autonomous local assistant for managing business processes
US6974928B2 (en) 2001-03-16 2005-12-13 Breakthrough Logistics Corporation Method and apparatus for efficient package delivery and storage
US20050276883A1 (en) 2004-06-14 2005-12-15 Jeffrey George M System and method for dispensing a dairy product
US6980886B2 (en) 2002-09-30 2005-12-27 Sanden Corp. Vending machine
US6980887B2 (en) 1996-05-15 2005-12-27 Vending Management Services Limited Apparatus and method for improved vending machine inventory maintenance
US6982640B2 (en) 2002-11-21 2006-01-03 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. RFID system and method for tracking food freshness
US20060000851A1 (en) 2004-02-13 2006-01-05 Intelligent Coffee Company, Llc Liquid concentrate/extract beverage dispenser with replaceable concentrate/extract cartridge
GB2416757A (en) 2004-08-06 2006-02-08 Imi Vision Ltd Apparatus for dispensing a flowable foodstuff
EP1626375A1 (en) 2004-08-10 2006-02-15 Tuttoespresso S.p.a. Apparatus and method for dispensing machine control
US20060043101A1 (en) 2004-08-26 2006-03-02 Alan Bhimani Beverage dispenser
US20060043111A1 (en) 2004-08-23 2006-03-02 Craig Jennings Robotic beverage server
US7009519B2 (en) 2002-11-21 2006-03-07 S.C. Johnson & Sons, Inc. Product dispensing controlled by RFID tags
US20060051614A1 (en) 2004-09-06 2006-03-09 Au Optronics Corp. Organometallic complex and organic electroluminescent device utilizing the same
US20060054614A1 (en) 2001-11-02 2006-03-16 Baxter James R Systems and methods for dispensing product
US7020680B2 (en) 1998-03-19 2006-03-28 Isochron, Llc System and method for monitoring and control of beverage dispensing equipment
US7028861B2 (en) 2003-12-16 2006-04-18 Joseph S. Kanfer Electronically keyed dispensing systems and related methods of installation and use
US20060081653A1 (en) 2004-10-01 2006-04-20 Boland Michael J Customised nutritional food and beverage dispensing system
US7032818B2 (en) 2001-07-03 2006-04-25 Nestec S.A. Method and system of setting and/or controlling of a food product dispensing machine using a tag-type communication device
US20060102645A1 (en) 2004-09-27 2006-05-18 Walker Jay S Method and apparatus for defining and utilizing product location in a vending machine
US20060111978A1 (en) 2004-11-23 2006-05-25 Terrance Tietzen Method, system and computer program for providing a loyalty engine enabling dynamic administration of loyalty programs
US7053773B2 (en) 2001-08-07 2006-05-30 Mars Incorporated Vending audit system
US20060115572A1 (en) 2004-11-30 2006-06-01 Guerrero Arturo F Method for delivering hot and cold beverages on demand in a variety of flavorings and nutritional additives
US20060115570A1 (en) 2004-11-30 2006-06-01 Guerrero Arturo F Beverage dispenser with variable-concentration additive dispensing
US7065429B1 (en) 1998-12-23 2006-06-20 Microblend Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for producing an aqueous paint composition from a plurality of premixed compositions
US20060144244A1 (en) 2004-02-13 2006-07-06 Intelligent Coffee Company, Llc Liquid concentrate/extract beverage dispenser with replaceable concentrate/extract cartridge
US7082970B2 (en) 2001-09-24 2006-08-01 Bartholomew Julie R Apparatus and method for custom cosmetic dispensing
US20060180647A1 (en) 2005-02-11 2006-08-17 Hansen Scott R RFID applications
US20060192003A1 (en) 2000-10-11 2006-08-31 Chung Kevin K Article tracking system and method
WO2006101394A2 (en) 2005-03-03 2006-09-28 Susijn, Jeroen, Erik, Johan, Willem Drink dispenser with mixing device
US20060224696A1 (en) 2005-04-01 2006-10-05 Blair King Targeted advertorial and multimedia delivery system and method
US20060247824A1 (en) 2004-12-09 2006-11-02 Walker Jay S Systems and methods for vending machine customer account management
JP2006309336A (ja) 2005-04-26 2006-11-09 Sega Corp 映像オブジェクト表現用データ構造、映像オブジェクト表現用データ構造生成プログラム、映像オブジェクト表現用データ構造生成方法、映像ソフト開発装置、画像処理プログラム、映像処理方法、映像処理装置、および、記録媒体
US20060261156A1 (en) 1999-09-15 2006-11-23 Brown Laurie J Method and Apparatus for Vending a Containerized Liquid Product Utilizing an Automatic Self-Service Refill System
US20060272922A1 (en) 2005-04-22 2006-12-07 Eric Hoersten System and method for offline vending of a media product
US7147131B2 (en) 2003-12-05 2006-12-12 Nestec S.A. Method and system for dispensing hot and cold beverages from liquid concentrates
WO2006131431A1 (en) 2005-06-08 2006-12-14 Massimo Baldin Automatic cocktail-bar
US7151982B2 (en) 1995-10-18 2006-12-19 Telepharmacy Solutions, Inc. Pharmaceutical dispensing system
US7156259B2 (en) 2002-05-17 2007-01-02 Pepsico, Inc. Beverage forming and dispensing system
US7161494B2 (en) 2003-11-04 2007-01-09 Sanden Corporation Vending machine
US20070016852A1 (en) 2005-05-27 2007-01-18 Kim Yong T Refrigerator for managing food by using RFID
US20070027576A1 (en) 2005-07-28 2007-02-01 Idx, Inc. Vending machine having promotional features
US20070044820A1 (en) 2005-08-30 2007-03-01 Johnsondiversey, Inc. Automatically configurable chemical dispensing system for cleaning equipment
US20070087756A1 (en) 2005-10-04 2007-04-19 Hoffberg Steven M Multifactorial optimization system and method
RU2297385C2 (ru) 2002-10-04 2007-04-20 ЛАНСЕР ПАРТНЕРШИП, Лтд. Устройство для розлива различных охлажденных напитков
WO2007056407A2 (en) 2005-11-04 2007-05-18 The Coca-Cola Company Systems and methods for dispensing flavor doses and blended beverages
US7231279B2 (en) 2003-07-10 2007-06-12 N&W Global Vending S.P.A. Automatic vending machine with integrated capsule feeding apparatus
WO2007070032A1 (en) 2005-12-12 2007-06-21 Carrier Corporation Data input system in postmix dispenser
US7234609B2 (en) 2004-04-15 2007-06-26 Redbox Automated Retail, L.L.C. Article dispensing system and method for same
US7249050B1 (en) 1997-03-21 2007-07-24 Walker Digital, Llc Vending machine system and method for encouraging the purchase of profitable items
WO2007085925A1 (en) 2006-01-24 2007-08-02 Rhea Vendors S.P.A. Apparatus and method of controlling beverage dispensing machines
US20070252709A1 (en) 2006-04-28 2007-11-01 Motorola, Inc. Radio frequency identification tag based task effectuation method and apparatus
WO2007127525A2 (en) 2006-03-06 2007-11-08 The Coca-Cola Company Juice dispensing nozzle
US20070299555A1 (en) 2004-04-05 2007-12-27 Walker Jay S Products and Processes for Managing a Vending Machine Transaction
US20080004973A1 (en) 2006-06-20 2008-01-03 Rothschild Trust Holdings, Llc System and method for creating a personalized consumer product
US20080051193A1 (en) 2001-08-10 2008-02-28 Igt Flexible loyalty points programs
US7353080B2 (en) 2004-02-19 2008-04-01 Walker Digital, Llc Products and processes for controlling access to vending machine products
US7391318B2 (en) 2004-11-12 2008-06-24 Kyocera Mita Corporation Goods management system, ingredient freezing system, ingredient managing method and program recording medium
US20080173705A1 (en) 2004-02-13 2008-07-24 Intelligent Coffee Company, Llc Liquid dispensing system
US20080201241A1 (en) * 2007-02-02 2008-08-21 Daniel Ben Pecoraro Automated coffee system
US7499769B2 (en) 2003-07-30 2009-03-03 Walker Digital, Llc Products and processes for vending a plurality of products via defined groups
WO2009032938A2 (en) 2007-09-06 2009-03-12 The Coca-Cola Company Method for controlling a plurality of dispensers
WO2009032946A1 (en) 2007-09-06 2009-03-12 The Coca-Cola Company Device and method for operating an interactive dispenser
US20090069949A1 (en) 2007-09-06 2009-03-12 The Coca-Cola Company Systems and Methods for Providing Dynamic Ingredient Matrix Reconfiguration in a Product Dispenser
US20090069930A1 (en) 2007-09-06 2009-03-12 The Coca-Cola Company Systems and Methods for Dispensing Consumable Products
US20090065520A1 (en) 2007-09-06 2009-03-12 The Coca-Cola Company Systems and Methods for Facilitating Consumer-Dispenser Interactions
US7673555B2 (en) * 2005-04-11 2010-03-09 Starbucks Corporation Machine for brewing a beverage such as coffee and related method
US20100116842A1 (en) * 2008-11-10 2010-05-13 Automatic Bar Controls, Inc. Reconfigurable control panel for a beverage dispenser
US7912579B2 (en) 2007-01-10 2011-03-22 Crane Merchandising Systems Automatic cup detection and associated customer interface for vending apparatus and method therefor
US7918368B2 (en) 2000-06-08 2011-04-05 Beverage Works, Inc. Refrigerator having a valve engagement mechanism operable to engage multiple valves of one end of a liquid container
US20110315711A1 (en) * 2008-11-10 2011-12-29 Automatic Bar Controls, Inc. Touch Screen Interface for a Beverage Dispensing Machine
US20120037008A1 (en) * 2010-08-16 2012-02-16 Nelson Antonio Rodriguez Programmable multiple ingredient dispensing coffee maker with customizable settings for multiple individual preferences
EP1637055B1 (en) 1999-08-14 2012-10-03 The Folger Coffee Company Method and systems utilizing delayed dilution, mixing, and filtration for providing customized beverages on demand

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4907725A (en) * 1987-01-12 1990-03-13 Lancer Corporation Liquid dispenser mixing nozzle
US6814990B2 (en) * 2002-02-22 2004-11-09 Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc. Beverage system
NZ532906A (en) * 2004-05-13 2006-10-27 Fonterra Co Operative Group Customised nutritional food and beverage dispensing system for dispensing a customised nutritional serving
US20050252933A1 (en) * 2004-05-17 2005-11-17 Todd Manisco Lighting system for beverage dispenser
US7878370B2 (en) * 2004-09-22 2011-02-01 Sevcik E Scott Alcoholic beverage dispenser with additive injection
WO2006074572A1 (en) * 2005-01-12 2006-07-20 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Hot and cold water dispenser and method of controlling same

Patent Citations (209)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3991911A (en) 1973-09-07 1976-11-16 American Beverage Control Automatic drink dispensing apparatus having programming means
US4358171A (en) 1979-06-01 1982-11-09 Societe Pour L'exploitation De L'hotel Du Rhone Installation comprising an ice-box for a hotel room
US4549675A (en) * 1982-09-07 1985-10-29 The Cornelius Co. Beverage dispensing valve
JPS5955597A (ja) 1982-09-24 1984-03-30 富士電機株式会社 液体商品の自動販売機
US4563739A (en) 1983-07-18 1986-01-07 Impulse Computer Systems, Inc. Inventory and business management system which accounts for the contents of full and partially filled product containers
US4525071A (en) 1984-05-31 1985-06-25 Crawford & Russell, Inc. Additive inventory control, batching and delivery system
JPS61288289A (ja) 1985-06-14 1986-12-18 富士電機株式会社 飲料自動販売機の制御装置
US4907723A (en) * 1986-03-10 1990-03-13 Solly Katz Fluid dispenser including an arrangement to impart wave-like motion to the store fluid
US4819176A (en) 1987-02-06 1989-04-04 Treasure Isle, Inc. Process control and data collection system
US4732300A (en) * 1987-03-10 1988-03-22 Automatic Bar Controls, Inc. Premixed beverage dispenser
FR2624844B1 (fr) 1987-12-18 1990-07-20 Andries Eric Appareil pour la confection de boissons constituees de melanges d'ingredients, notamment de cocktails
US5255819A (en) 1990-02-09 1993-10-26 Peckels Arganious E Method and apparatus for manual dispensing from discrete vessels with electronic system control and dispensing data generation on each vessel, data transmission by radio or interrogator, and remote data recording
DE4013147A1 (de) 1990-04-25 1991-10-31 Schreiber Hans Verfahren und vorrichtung zum betanken von kraftfahrzeugen mittels elektronisch lesbarer abbuchvorrichtung
US5842603A (en) 1990-06-06 1998-12-01 The Coca-Cola Company Postmix juice dispenser
US5615801A (en) 1990-06-06 1997-04-01 The Coca-Cola Company Juice concentrate package for postmix dispenser
US5735436A (en) 1990-06-06 1998-04-07 The Coca-Cola Company Juice concentrate package for postmix dispenser
US5147068A (en) 1991-01-16 1992-09-15 Wright Food Systems, Inc. Automated food vending system
JPH0589329A (ja) 1991-06-07 1993-04-09 Koki Bussan Kk 自動販売機
JPH0594577A (ja) 1991-06-13 1993-04-16 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd 自動販売機
JPH05128349A (ja) 1991-08-29 1993-05-25 Fuji Facom Corp 自動販売機制御装置
US5312017A (en) 1991-08-30 1994-05-17 The Coca-Cola Company Product identification system for beverage dispenser
BE1005369A6 (nl) 1991-09-30 1993-07-06 Vdo N V Cocktailmachine.
US5408917A (en) * 1992-07-01 1995-04-25 Luessi; Andre Appliance for preparation of hot drinks
US5350082A (en) 1992-11-09 1994-09-27 Alex Kiriakides, Jr. Automatic soda fountain and method
US5358145A (en) 1993-04-19 1994-10-25 Bio Techniques Laboratories, Inc. Dispenser for delivering microingredients from cartridges
US5603430A (en) 1995-02-10 1997-02-18 Dec International, Inc. Beverage dispensing system with bottle identification mechanism
US5715700A (en) 1995-06-05 1998-02-10 The Coca-Cola Company Round drink dispenser
US5691684A (en) 1995-09-20 1997-11-25 Symbol Technologies, Inc. Article storage container with bar code scanning
US7151982B2 (en) 1995-10-18 2006-12-19 Telepharmacy Solutions, Inc. Pharmaceutical dispensing system
US6152591A (en) 1996-03-04 2000-11-28 Dresser Industries, Inc. Interactive graphics display system for a fuel dispenser
US6980887B2 (en) 1996-05-15 2005-12-27 Vending Management Services Limited Apparatus and method for improved vending machine inventory maintenance
US5798694A (en) 1996-12-19 1998-08-25 Motorola, Inc. Food storage apparatus and methods and systems for monitoring a food item
US5997924A (en) * 1997-02-04 1999-12-07 Lmo Consultants, Inc. Automated process for making pizza
WO1998037518A1 (en) 1997-02-25 1998-08-27 Dresser Industries, Inc. Bar code reader for a fuel dispenser
US5884807A (en) 1997-03-11 1999-03-23 Kwangju Electronics Co., Ltd. Vending machine for a sequential purchase of goods
US7249050B1 (en) 1997-03-21 2007-07-24 Walker Digital, Llc Vending machine system and method for encouraging the purchase of profitable items
US6116460A (en) 1997-06-18 2000-09-12 Samsung Kwang-Ju Electronics Co., Ltd. Vending machine
US20020161653A1 (en) 1997-08-26 2002-10-31 Walker Jay S. Method and apparatus for vending a combination of products
US6470233B1 (en) 1997-09-26 2002-10-22 Gilbarco Inc. Fuel dispensing and retail system for preventing use of stolen transponders
US5839610A (en) 1997-10-14 1998-11-24 Crane Co. Ingredient mixing bowl and moisture reduction system for a vending machine
US6131399A (en) 1997-12-04 2000-10-17 Hall; Donald M. Refrigerated vending machine
US6053359A (en) 1997-12-22 2000-04-25 Mcdonald's Corporation Automated beverage system
JPH11262649A (ja) 1998-03-18 1999-09-28 Omron Corp 混合装置および方法、ならびに飲料供給装置
US7020680B2 (en) 1998-03-19 2006-03-28 Isochron, Llc System and method for monitoring and control of beverage dispensing equipment
US6378275B1 (en) 1998-04-21 2002-04-30 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, Sa Multi-product packing machine with bar code reader
US6119434A (en) 1998-04-21 2000-09-19 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, Sa Multi-product packaging machine with bar code reader
US20030126964A1 (en) 1998-05-22 2003-07-10 Edward Ortega Apparatus and method for removing an extraneous portion of a produce item
US20020077889A1 (en) 1998-07-20 2002-06-20 H. Brock Kolls Universal interactive advertising and payment system for public access electronic commerce and business related products and services
US6317649B1 (en) 1998-09-14 2001-11-13 Walker Digital, Llc Vending machine method and apparatus for encouraging participation in a marketing effort
US6161059A (en) 1998-09-14 2000-12-12 Walker Digital, Llc Vending machine method and apparatus for encouraging participation in a marketing effort
US20020065579A1 (en) 1998-09-14 2002-05-30 Tedesco Daniel E. Vending machine method and apparatus for encouraging participation in a marketing effort
US6658323B2 (en) 1998-09-14 2003-12-02 Walker Digital, Llc Vending machine apparatus for encouraging participation in a marketing effort
JP2000099822A (ja) 1998-09-18 2000-04-07 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd カップ飲料ディスペンサー及びそのためのバッグインボックスシロップ容器
US7065429B1 (en) 1998-12-23 2006-06-20 Microblend Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for producing an aqueous paint composition from a plurality of premixed compositions
RU2146102C1 (ru) 1999-01-11 2000-03-10 Закрытое акционерное общество "Троя" Способ получения плодово-ягодных напитков
US20020183893A1 (en) 1999-03-03 2002-12-05 Brooke Russell J. Vending machine with transponder interrogator
US6424884B1 (en) 1999-03-03 2002-07-23 The Coca-Cola Company Vending machine with transponder interrogator
JP2002538561A (ja) 1999-03-03 2002-11-12 ザ・コカ−コーラ・カンパニー トランスポンダーインタロゲーターを有する自動販売機
US7031804B2 (en) 1999-03-03 2006-04-18 Brooke Jr Russell J Vending machine with transponder interrogator
EP1165428B1 (en) 1999-03-26 2003-07-23 Mauro Leoni Automatic bar
US20050178793A1 (en) 1999-05-18 2005-08-18 Pu-Sheng Cheng System, method and compositions for dispensing a liquid beverage concentrate
US6756069B2 (en) 1999-05-18 2004-06-29 Nestec S.A. System and method for dispensing a liquid beverage concentrate
US20040129720A1 (en) 1999-05-18 2004-07-08 Pu-Sheng Cheng System and method for dispensing a liquid beverage concentrate
US6465035B1 (en) 1999-06-21 2002-10-15 Bunn-O-Matic Corporation Beverage maker-funnel combination and method of use
US20030129286A1 (en) 1999-06-21 2003-07-10 Knepler John T. Beverage maker interface
US6479086B1 (en) 1999-06-21 2002-11-12 Bunn-O-Matic Corporation Dispenser-maker interface and method of use
US6238721B1 (en) 1999-06-21 2001-05-29 Bunn-O-Matic Corporation Wireless grinder-brewer interface and method of use
US7223427B2 (en) 1999-06-21 2007-05-29 Bunn-O-Matic Corporation Beverage maker interface
US6759072B1 (en) 1999-08-14 2004-07-06 The Procter + Gamble Co. Methods and systems for utilizing delayed dilution, mixing and filtration for providing customized beverages on demand
EP1637055B1 (en) 1999-08-14 2012-10-03 The Folger Coffee Company Method and systems utilizing delayed dilution, mixing, and filtration for providing customized beverages on demand
CN1378432A (zh) 1999-08-14 2002-11-06 宝洁公司 利用延迟混合来按需提供定制的各种新冲泡咖啡的方法和系统
JP2003506184A (ja) 1999-08-14 2003-02-18 ザ プロクター アンド ギャンブル カンパニー カストマイズした飲料をオンデマンドで提供するための遅延ろ過を使用する方法およびシステム
US6572016B2 (en) 1999-09-09 2003-06-03 Shurflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc. Food containers with transponders
US6564999B1 (en) 1999-09-09 2003-05-20 Shurflo Pump Manufacturing Company, Inc. Food containers with transponders
US20060261156A1 (en) 1999-09-15 2006-11-23 Brown Laurie J Method and Apparatus for Vending a Containerized Liquid Product Utilizing an Automatic Self-Service Refill System
US6772944B2 (en) 1999-09-15 2004-08-10 Laurie J. Brown Method and apparatus for vending a containerized liquid product utilizing an automatic self-service refill system
US20040226994A1 (en) 1999-09-15 2004-11-18 Brown Laurie J. Method and apparatus for vending a containerized liquid product utilizing an automatic self-service refill system
US6973478B1 (en) 1999-10-26 2005-12-06 Top Moxie, Inc. Autonomous local assistant for managing business processes
US6377868B1 (en) 1999-10-28 2002-04-23 Ecolab Inc. Data processing system for managing chemical product usage
US6618062B1 (en) * 1999-12-17 2003-09-09 International Business Machines Corporation Method, system and program for specifying an electronic menu with food preferences from a personal storage device
JP2001250161A (ja) 2000-03-07 2001-09-14 Sanden Corp 飲料自動販売機
JP2001319026A (ja) 2000-03-24 2001-11-16 Mars Inc 調査クーポン読取りシステム
US7395134B2 (en) 2000-03-31 2008-07-01 Cosmetic Technologies, L.L.C. Nail polish color selection system
US6622064B2 (en) 2000-03-31 2003-09-16 Imx Labs, Inc. Nail polish selection method
US20050143857A1 (en) 2000-05-23 2005-06-30 Munroe Chirnomas Article identification
US6751525B1 (en) 2000-06-08 2004-06-15 Beverage Works, Inc. Beverage distribution and dispensing system and method
US20050178144A1 (en) 2000-06-08 2005-08-18 Crisp Harry L.Iii Refrigerator that displays beverage images, reads beverage data files and produces beverages
US7918368B2 (en) 2000-06-08 2011-04-05 Beverage Works, Inc. Refrigerator having a valve engagement mechanism operable to engage multiple valves of one end of a liquid container
US6799085B1 (en) 2000-06-08 2004-09-28 Beverage Works, Inc. Appliance supply distribution, dispensing and use system method
US20020059175A1 (en) 2000-07-12 2002-05-16 Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. Food information management system
WO2002011087A1 (en) 2000-07-27 2002-02-07 Bp P.L.C. Method and apparatus for fuel retail
US20050182599A1 (en) 2000-09-12 2005-08-18 Knepler John T. Remote beverage equipment monitoring and control system and method
JP2002099950A (ja) 2000-09-25 2002-04-05 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd 携帯端末を用いた自動販売機の制御方法およびその装置、ならびに自動販売機
US20060192003A1 (en) 2000-10-11 2006-08-31 Chung Kevin K Article tracking system and method
US6354468B1 (en) 2000-10-18 2002-03-12 Dec International, Inc. Beverage dispenser transponder identification system
US20050167493A1 (en) 2001-01-12 2005-08-04 Barton Steven P. RF point of purchase apparatus and method of using same
JP2002245536A (ja) 2001-02-20 2002-08-30 Nippon Conlux Co Ltd 自動販売システム
US20020116261A1 (en) 2001-02-20 2002-08-22 Moskowitz Paul A. Systems and methods that facilitate an exchange of supplemental information in association with a dispensing of fuel
US20020123926A1 (en) 2001-03-01 2002-09-05 Bushold Thomas R. System and method for implementing a loyalty program incorporating on-line and off-line transactions
US20020129712A1 (en) * 2001-03-16 2002-09-19 The Procter & Gamble Co. Beverage brewing system
US6974928B2 (en) 2001-03-16 2005-12-13 Breakthrough Logistics Corporation Method and apparatus for efficient package delivery and storage
US20070124204A1 (en) 2001-03-29 2007-05-31 American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. System and method for a merchant loyalty system
US20020143626A1 (en) 2001-03-29 2002-10-03 Voltmer Theodore S. System and method for networked loyalty program
WO2002083282A1 (en) * 2001-04-10 2002-10-24 The Procter & Gamble Company Customized hair colorant formulating and dispensing apparatus and method
US20040113786A1 (en) 2001-06-26 2004-06-17 Key-Trak, Inc. Object tracking method and system with object identification and verification
JP2003016164A (ja) 2001-06-30 2003-01-17 Daiichikosho Co Ltd キープボトル管理システム
US20060108415A1 (en) 2001-07-03 2006-05-25 Thomas Kevin R Method and system of setting and/or controlling of a food product dispensing machine using a tag-type communication device
US7387239B2 (en) 2001-07-03 2008-06-17 Netsec S.A. Method and system of setting and/or controlling of a food product dispensing machine using a tag-type communication device
US7032818B2 (en) 2001-07-03 2006-04-25 Nestec S.A. Method and system of setting and/or controlling of a food product dispensing machine using a tag-type communication device
US20030010791A1 (en) 2001-07-13 2003-01-16 Andrew Gentiluomo Method and apparatus for dispensing a customized pharamaceutical mixture
US7053773B2 (en) 2001-08-07 2006-05-30 Mars Incorporated Vending audit system
US20080051193A1 (en) 2001-08-10 2008-02-28 Igt Flexible loyalty points programs
US20030032474A1 (en) 2001-08-10 2003-02-13 International Game Technology Flexible loyalty points programs
US7082970B2 (en) 2001-09-24 2006-08-01 Bartholomew Julie R Apparatus and method for custom cosmetic dispensing
JP2003121505A (ja) 2001-10-17 2003-04-23 Sharp Corp テスト回路及びテスト方法
US20030083758A1 (en) * 2001-11-01 2003-05-01 Williamson Charles G. Remote updating of intelligent household appliances
US6698228B2 (en) 2001-11-02 2004-03-02 Moobella, Llc Method and apparatus for producing and dispensing an aerated and/or blended food product
US20060054614A1 (en) 2001-11-02 2006-03-16 Baxter James R Systems and methods for dispensing product
US6688134B2 (en) 2001-11-13 2004-02-10 John C. Barton Touchless automatic fiber optic beverage/ice dispenser
US6807460B2 (en) 2001-12-28 2004-10-19 Pepsico, Inc. Beverage quality and communications control for a beverage forming and dispensing system
US20030191709A1 (en) 2002-04-03 2003-10-09 Stephen Elston Distributed payment and loyalty processing for retail and vending
JP2003303372A (ja) 2002-04-09 2003-10-24 Fuji Electric Co Ltd 飲料調合機の原料管理装置
US7156259B2 (en) 2002-05-17 2007-01-02 Pepsico, Inc. Beverage forming and dispensing system
JP2003337974A (ja) 2002-05-20 2003-11-28 Ntt Docomo Inc 商品広告システム、商品広告方法、商品広告プログラム及びコンピュータ読取可能な記録媒体
US20040243259A1 (en) 2002-07-29 2004-12-02 Peterson Norman R. Method and apparatus for monitoring commodities in a batching system
US20040044584A1 (en) * 2002-08-27 2004-03-04 Yuan-Fen Chung Method of placing order for product with specific composition via online shopping
US6941858B2 (en) 2002-08-27 2005-09-13 Moobella, Llc Efficient manufacture and distribution of chilled solid food products
US6990391B1 (en) 2002-09-30 2006-01-24 Kan-Pak, L.L.C. Method and apparatus to control a beverage or dessert dispenser
US6918258B2 (en) 2002-09-30 2005-07-19 Kan-Pak, Llc Semi-frozen beverage dispensing apparatus
US6980886B2 (en) 2002-09-30 2005-12-27 Sanden Corp. Vending machine
RU2297385C2 (ru) 2002-10-04 2007-04-20 ЛАНСЕР ПАРТНЕРШИП, Лтд. Устройство для розлива различных охлажденных напитков
US7009519B2 (en) 2002-11-21 2006-03-07 S.C. Johnson & Sons, Inc. Product dispensing controlled by RFID tags
US20040103033A1 (en) 2002-11-21 2004-05-27 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. RFID system and method for vending machine control
US6982640B2 (en) 2002-11-21 2006-01-03 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. RFID system and method for tracking food freshness
US6968876B2 (en) 2003-01-21 2005-11-29 Jaws International, Ltd. Apparatus for dispensing a substance
US6907741B2 (en) 2003-02-07 2005-06-21 Moobella, Llc Dynamic process control
US7640755B1 (en) 2003-02-07 2010-01-05 Moobella, Llc Dynamic process control
US20050192705A1 (en) 2003-07-01 2005-09-01 Asteres Inc. Random access and random load dispensing unit
US20050003068A1 (en) * 2003-07-03 2005-01-06 The Procter & Gamble Company Compositions containing green tea catechins and one or more polyvalent mineral cations
US7231279B2 (en) 2003-07-10 2007-06-12 N&W Global Vending S.P.A. Automatic vending machine with integrated capsule feeding apparatus
US7499769B2 (en) 2003-07-30 2009-03-03 Walker Digital, Llc Products and processes for vending a plurality of products via defined groups
US20050075900A1 (en) 2003-10-02 2005-04-07 Arguimbau Vincent C. Method and apparatus for bulk food marking and tracking with supplier rating system
US7161494B2 (en) 2003-11-04 2007-01-09 Sanden Corporation Vending machine
US7147131B2 (en) 2003-12-05 2006-12-12 Nestec S.A. Method and system for dispensing hot and cold beverages from liquid concentrates
US20100114368A1 (en) 2003-12-09 2010-05-06 Walker Jay S Systems and methods for vending machine customer account management
US20060131329A1 (en) 2003-12-16 2006-06-22 Sayers Richard C Electronically keyed dispensing systems and related methods of installation and use
US7028861B2 (en) 2003-12-16 2006-04-18 Joseph S. Kanfer Electronically keyed dispensing systems and related methods of installation and use
WO2005063091A1 (en) 2003-12-23 2005-07-14 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. System for preparing a beverage
US20060144244A1 (en) 2004-02-13 2006-07-06 Intelligent Coffee Company, Llc Liquid concentrate/extract beverage dispenser with replaceable concentrate/extract cartridge
US20080173705A1 (en) 2004-02-13 2008-07-24 Intelligent Coffee Company, Llc Liquid dispensing system
US20060000851A1 (en) 2004-02-13 2006-01-05 Intelligent Coffee Company, Llc Liquid concentrate/extract beverage dispenser with replaceable concentrate/extract cartridge
US7353080B2 (en) 2004-02-19 2008-04-01 Walker Digital, Llc Products and processes for controlling access to vending machine products
US20050205666A1 (en) 2004-03-16 2005-09-22 Ward Kevin B Loyalty automatic merchandiser system
WO2005091236A1 (en) 2004-03-16 2005-09-29 John Philip Griffits Automated wine cellar
JP2005276148A (ja) 2004-03-25 2005-10-06 Next Force Corp サプリメント問診システムの提供及びサプリメント供給装置
US20070299555A1 (en) 2004-04-05 2007-12-27 Walker Jay S Products and Processes for Managing a Vending Machine Transaction
US7234609B2 (en) 2004-04-15 2007-06-26 Redbox Automated Retail, L.L.C. Article dispensing system and method for same
US20050258961A1 (en) 2004-04-29 2005-11-24 Kimball James F Inventory management system using RFID
US20050276883A1 (en) 2004-06-14 2005-12-15 Jeffrey George M System and method for dispensing a dairy product
US20080029541A1 (en) 2004-08-06 2008-02-07 Wallace Mark A Apparatus for Dispensing a Flowable foodstuff
GB2416757A (en) 2004-08-06 2006-02-08 Imi Vision Ltd Apparatus for dispensing a flowable foodstuff
EP1626375A1 (en) 2004-08-10 2006-02-15 Tuttoespresso S.p.a. Apparatus and method for dispensing machine control
US20080116262A1 (en) 2004-08-10 2008-05-22 Doglioni Majer Apparatus and method for dispensing machine control
US20060043111A1 (en) 2004-08-23 2006-03-02 Craig Jennings Robotic beverage server
US7331483B2 (en) 2004-08-26 2008-02-19 Imi Vision Limited Beverage dispenser
US20060043101A1 (en) 2004-08-26 2006-03-02 Alan Bhimani Beverage dispenser
US20060051614A1 (en) 2004-09-06 2006-03-09 Au Optronics Corp. Organometallic complex and organic electroluminescent device utilizing the same
US20060102645A1 (en) 2004-09-27 2006-05-18 Walker Jay S Method and apparatus for defining and utilizing product location in a vending machine
US20060081653A1 (en) 2004-10-01 2006-04-20 Boland Michael J Customised nutritional food and beverage dispensing system
US7391318B2 (en) 2004-11-12 2008-06-24 Kyocera Mita Corporation Goods management system, ingredient freezing system, ingredient managing method and program recording medium
US20060111978A1 (en) 2004-11-23 2006-05-25 Terrance Tietzen Method, system and computer program for providing a loyalty engine enabling dynamic administration of loyalty programs
US20060115572A1 (en) 2004-11-30 2006-06-01 Guerrero Arturo F Method for delivering hot and cold beverages on demand in a variety of flavorings and nutritional additives
US20060115570A1 (en) 2004-11-30 2006-06-01 Guerrero Arturo F Beverage dispenser with variable-concentration additive dispensing
US20060247824A1 (en) 2004-12-09 2006-11-02 Walker Jay S Systems and methods for vending machine customer account management
US7627496B2 (en) 2004-12-09 2009-12-01 Walker Digital, Llc Systems and methods for vending machine customer account management
US20060180647A1 (en) 2005-02-11 2006-08-17 Hansen Scott R RFID applications
WO2006101394A2 (en) 2005-03-03 2006-09-28 Susijn, Jeroen, Erik, Johan, Willem Drink dispenser with mixing device
US20060224696A1 (en) 2005-04-01 2006-10-05 Blair King Targeted advertorial and multimedia delivery system and method
US7673555B2 (en) * 2005-04-11 2010-03-09 Starbucks Corporation Machine for brewing a beverage such as coffee and related method
US20060272922A1 (en) 2005-04-22 2006-12-07 Eric Hoersten System and method for offline vending of a media product
US7499768B2 (en) 2005-04-22 2009-03-03 Redbox Automated Retail, Llc System and method for offline vending of a media product
JP2006309336A (ja) 2005-04-26 2006-11-09 Sega Corp 映像オブジェクト表現用データ構造、映像オブジェクト表現用データ構造生成プログラム、映像オブジェクト表現用データ構造生成方法、映像ソフト開発装置、画像処理プログラム、映像処理方法、映像処理装置、および、記録媒体
US20070016852A1 (en) 2005-05-27 2007-01-18 Kim Yong T Refrigerator for managing food by using RFID
WO2006131431A1 (en) 2005-06-08 2006-12-14 Massimo Baldin Automatic cocktail-bar
US20070027576A1 (en) 2005-07-28 2007-02-01 Idx, Inc. Vending machine having promotional features
US20070044820A1 (en) 2005-08-30 2007-03-01 Johnsondiversey, Inc. Automatically configurable chemical dispensing system for cleaning equipment
US20070087756A1 (en) 2005-10-04 2007-04-19 Hoffberg Steven M Multifactorial optimization system and method
WO2007056407A2 (en) 2005-11-04 2007-05-18 The Coca-Cola Company Systems and methods for dispensing flavor doses and blended beverages
WO2007070032A1 (en) 2005-12-12 2007-06-21 Carrier Corporation Data input system in postmix dispenser
JP2009524868A (ja) 2006-01-24 2009-07-02 レアヴェンドルス ソチエタ ペル アツィオーニ 飲料自動販売機を制御する装置および方法
WO2007085925A1 (en) 2006-01-24 2007-08-02 Rhea Vendors S.P.A. Apparatus and method of controlling beverage dispensing machines
WO2007127525A2 (en) 2006-03-06 2007-11-08 The Coca-Cola Company Juice dispensing nozzle
US20070252709A1 (en) 2006-04-28 2007-11-01 Motorola, Inc. Radio frequency identification tag based task effectuation method and apparatus
US20080004973A1 (en) 2006-06-20 2008-01-03 Rothschild Trust Holdings, Llc System and method for creating a personalized consumer product
US7912579B2 (en) 2007-01-10 2011-03-22 Crane Merchandising Systems Automatic cup detection and associated customer interface for vending apparatus and method therefor
US20080201241A1 (en) * 2007-02-02 2008-08-21 Daniel Ben Pecoraro Automated coffee system
US20090069931A1 (en) 2007-09-06 2009-03-12 The Coca-Cola Company Systems and Methods for Facilitating Consumer-Dispenser Interactions
US20090065520A1 (en) 2007-09-06 2009-03-12 The Coca-Cola Company Systems and Methods for Facilitating Consumer-Dispenser Interactions
WO2009032911A1 (en) 2007-09-06 2009-03-12 The Coca-Cola Company Beverage dispenser
WO2009032942A2 (en) 2007-09-06 2009-03-12 The Coca-Cola Company Systems and methods for providing dynamic ingredient matrix reconfiguration in a product dispenser
US20090069930A1 (en) 2007-09-06 2009-03-12 The Coca-Cola Company Systems and Methods for Dispensing Consumable Products
US20090069949A1 (en) 2007-09-06 2009-03-12 The Coca-Cola Company Systems and Methods for Providing Dynamic Ingredient Matrix Reconfiguration in a Product Dispenser
WO2009032946A1 (en) 2007-09-06 2009-03-12 The Coca-Cola Company Device and method for operating an interactive dispenser
WO2009032938A2 (en) 2007-09-06 2009-03-12 The Coca-Cola Company Method for controlling a plurality of dispensers
US8340815B2 (en) 2007-09-06 2012-12-25 The Coca-Cola Company Systems and methods for facilitating consumer-dispenser interactions
US20130079926A1 (en) 2007-09-06 2013-03-28 The Coca-Cola Company Systems and methods for facilitating consumer-dispenser interactions
US20100116842A1 (en) * 2008-11-10 2010-05-13 Automatic Bar Controls, Inc. Reconfigurable control panel for a beverage dispenser
US20110315711A1 (en) * 2008-11-10 2011-12-29 Automatic Bar Controls, Inc. Touch Screen Interface for a Beverage Dispensing Machine
US20120037008A1 (en) * 2010-08-16 2012-02-16 Nelson Antonio Rodriguez Programmable multiple ingredient dispensing coffee maker with customizable settings for multiple individual preferences

Non-Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Disclosure Under 37 C.F.R. §1.56 as filed Dec. 22, 2008.
Disclosure Under 37 C.F.R. 1.56 as filed Jul. 18, 2011.
International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT/US2008/075235 dated Feb. 4, 2009.
International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT/US2008/075272 dated Apr. 6, 2009.
International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT/US2008/075277 dated Apr. 24, 2009.
International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT/US2008/075287 dated Feb. 18, 2009.
International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT/US2009/035407 dated Apr. 28, 2009.
International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT/US2009/035410 dated Apr. 14, 2009.
International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT/US2009/035414 dated Mar. 23, 2009.
Invitation to Pay Additional Fees and Partial International Search for PCT/US2008/075281 dated Mar. 13, 2009.
Michelle Juergen, "Startup Allows Customers to Design Their Own Soft-Drinks", Jul. 11, 2012. Retrieved from http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/223648. *

Cited By (50)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9499382B2 (en) 2007-09-06 2016-11-22 The Coca-Cola Company Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling the dispense of a plurality of product forming ingredients
US10315907B2 (en) 2009-02-11 2019-06-11 Pepsico, Inc. Beverage dispense valve controlled by wireless technology
US20160096715A1 (en) * 2009-02-11 2016-04-07 Pepsico, Inc. Beverage Dispense Valve Controlled by Wireless Technology
US9708170B2 (en) * 2009-02-11 2017-07-18 Pepsico, Inc. Beverage dispense valve controlled by wireless technology
US20230406688A1 (en) * 2009-02-11 2023-12-21 Pepsico, Inc. Beverage dispense valve controlled by wireless technology
US20150082989A1 (en) * 2012-04-24 2015-03-26 Nestec S.A. User-Interface for Beverage Preparation Machines
US10007397B2 (en) * 2012-04-24 2018-06-26 Nestec S. A. User-interface for beverage preparation machines
US20140114469A1 (en) * 2012-09-12 2014-04-24 Barry Givens Systems and Methods for Automatic Mixed Drink Dispensing
US9475683B2 (en) * 2012-09-12 2016-10-25 Monsieur, Inc. Systems and methods for automatic mixed drink dispensing
US20170043992A1 (en) * 2014-04-30 2017-02-16 The Coca-Cola Company Dispensing system
US10399838B2 (en) * 2014-04-30 2019-09-03 The Coca-Cola Company Dispensing system
US11866314B2 (en) 2015-06-11 2024-01-09 Cirkul, Inc. Portable system for dispensing controlled quantities of additives into a beverage
US10515327B2 (en) 2016-02-23 2019-12-24 Cornelius, Inc. Beverage dispensing validation method and system
US11147411B2 (en) 2016-04-07 2021-10-19 Societe Des Produits Nestle S.A. Beverage preparation machine with two-liquid circuits and electronic device for controlling the same
US11182052B2 (en) * 2016-11-10 2021-11-23 Lg Electronics Inc. Mobile terminal performing method of registering and searching recipe of beer brewed by beer maker and recording medium recording program performing the method
US11440785B2 (en) 2017-06-07 2022-09-13 Marmon Foodservice Technologies, Inc. Automated beverage dispensing machines
US10689240B1 (en) 2017-06-07 2020-06-23 Cornelius, Inc. Automated beverage dispensing machines
US11312608B2 (en) 2017-08-11 2022-04-26 The Coca-Cola Company Beverage dispenser with customized nutritive levels and multiple sweetener sources
WO2019032969A1 (en) 2017-08-11 2019-02-14 The Coca-Cola Company BEVERAGE DISPENSER HAVING PERSONALIZED NUTRIENT LEVELS AND MULTIPLE SOURCES OF SWEETENER
USD862148S1 (en) 2017-12-13 2019-10-08 Pepsico, Inc. Dispenser
US11208315B2 (en) 2018-04-02 2021-12-28 Pepsico, Inc. Unattended beverage dispensing systems and methods
US20210146322A1 (en) * 2018-04-30 2021-05-20 Firmenich Sa Apparatus for customized production of a flavoring agent mix
US11975299B2 (en) * 2018-04-30 2024-05-07 Firmenich Sa Apparatus for customized production of a flavoring agent mix
US11337533B1 (en) * 2018-06-08 2022-05-24 Infuze, L.L.C. Portable system for dispensing controlled quantities of additives into a beverage
US12114790B2 (en) 2018-06-08 2024-10-15 Cirkul, Inc. Portable system for dispensing controlled quantities of additives into a beverage
US11871865B2 (en) 2019-09-14 2024-01-16 Cirkul, Inc. Portable beverage container systems and methods for adjusting the composition of a beverage
US12128009B1 (en) 2020-04-25 2024-10-29 Cirkul, Inc. Systems and methods for bottle apparatuses, container assemblies, and dispensing apparatuses
US11903516B1 (en) 2020-04-25 2024-02-20 Cirkul, Inc. Systems and methods for bottle apparatuses, container assemblies, and dispensing apparatuses
US11961373B2 (en) 2020-07-01 2024-04-16 Pepsico, Inc. Method and system of touch-free vending
US12076697B2 (en) 2020-07-15 2024-09-03 Cirkul, Inc. Portable carbonating dispensers
US12043535B2 (en) 2020-12-10 2024-07-23 H2Yo Personalized dietary supplement dispensing device
US11407630B1 (en) * 2021-03-03 2022-08-09 Smart Soda Holdings, Inc. On demand functional beverage dispenser
US20220388828A1 (en) * 2021-03-03 2022-12-08 Smart Soda Holdings, Inc. On demand functional beverage dispenser
US11724927B2 (en) * 2021-03-03 2023-08-15 Smart Soda Holdings, Inc. On demand functional beverage dispenser
US12096880B2 (en) 2022-05-13 2024-09-24 Sharkninja Operating Llc Flavorant for beverage carbonation system
US11751585B1 (en) 2022-05-13 2023-09-12 Sharkninja Operating Llc Flavored beverage carbonation system
US11647860B1 (en) 2022-05-13 2023-05-16 Sharkninja Operating Llc Flavored beverage carbonation system
US11612865B1 (en) 2022-05-13 2023-03-28 Sharkninja Operating Llc Agitator for a carbonation system
US12005404B2 (en) 2022-08-22 2024-06-11 Sharkninja Operating Llc Beverage carbonation system flow control
US12006202B1 (en) 2022-11-17 2024-06-11 Sharkninja Operating Llc Ingredient container valve control
US11634314B1 (en) 2022-11-17 2023-04-25 Sharkninja Operating Llc Dosing accuracy
US12084334B2 (en) 2022-11-17 2024-09-10 Sharkninja Operating Llc Ingredient container
US12103840B2 (en) 2022-11-17 2024-10-01 Sharkninja Operating Llc Ingredient container with sealing valve
US11738988B1 (en) 2022-11-17 2023-08-29 Sharkninja Operating Llc Ingredient container valve control
US12122661B2 (en) 2022-11-17 2024-10-22 Sharkninja Operating Llc Ingredient container valve control
US11745996B1 (en) 2022-11-17 2023-09-05 Sharkninja Operating Llc Ingredient containers for use with beverage dispensers
US11871867B1 (en) 2023-03-22 2024-01-16 Sharkninja Operating Llc Additive container with bottom cover
US11925287B1 (en) 2023-03-22 2024-03-12 Sharkninja Operating Llc Additive container with inlet tube
US12116257B1 (en) 2023-03-22 2024-10-15 Sharkninja Operating Llc Adapter for beverage dispenser
US12005408B1 (en) 2023-04-14 2024-06-11 Sharkninja Operating Llc Mixing funnel

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20150251891A1 (en) 2015-09-10
MX2010002219A (es) 2010-04-27
WO2009032941A2 (en) 2009-03-12
BRPI0816379A2 (pt) 2020-12-01
JP5597132B2 (ja) 2014-10-01
CN101855656A (zh) 2010-10-06
CN102842181B (zh) 2015-01-14
RU2485594C2 (ru) 2013-06-20
RU2013107661A (ru) 2014-08-27
BRPI0816379B1 (pt) 2021-11-30
AU2008296269A1 (en) 2009-03-12
ZA201001753B (en) 2010-11-24
CN102842181A (zh) 2012-12-26
EP2206095A2 (en) 2010-07-14
JP2010537914A (ja) 2010-12-09
MX336745B (es) 2016-01-29
WO2009032941A3 (en) 2009-06-04
US20090070234A1 (en) 2009-03-12
RU2010111631A (ru) 2011-10-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9051162B2 (en) Systems and methods for facilitating consumer-dispenser interactions
US20190367349A1 (en) Systems and Methods for Facilitating Consumer-Dispenser Interactions
US10255746B2 (en) Systems and methods for facilitating consumer-dispenser
US8744618B2 (en) Systems and methods for facilitating consumer-dispenser interactions
AU2018200577B2 (en) Systems and methods for facilitating consumer-dispenser interactions
AU2019264538B2 (en) Systems and methods for facilitating consumer-dispenser interactions
AU2014201292A1 (en) Systems and methods for facilitating consumer-dispenser interactions
AU2022287582A1 (en) Device and method for operating an interactive dispenser
AU2021200103A1 (en) Device and method for operating an interactive dispenser
AU2013251265A1 (en) Systems and methods for facilitating consumer-dispenser interactions

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: THE COCA-COLA COMPANY, GEORGIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:PETERS, DAN;TRAN, SON V.;NEWMAN, DAVID R.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:021490/0113

Effective date: 20080828

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

MAFP Maintenance fee payment

Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1551); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

Year of fee payment: 4

MAFP Maintenance fee payment

Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 8TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1552); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

Year of fee payment: 8